Stuffed bell peppers
Cajun stuffed bell peppers are hearty and savory comfort food that hails from Louisiana. With a rich history rooted in French, Spanish, and African cultures, Cajun cuisine is known for its mouthwatering spice blends and bold seasoning techniques.
In this recipe, bell peppers are filled with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and a medley of vegetables, including onion, celery, and garlic. The dish is then topped with a flavorful tomato sauce before being finished in the oven to create a warm and satisfying meal.
Using locally sourced ingredients, this dish is not only delicious, but it is also a celebration of Louisiana’s unique culinary heritage. From the fresh produce to the perfectly seasoned meat, this dish embodies the essence of Cajun cooking.
While the dish may seem complex, it is actually quite simple to make. With a few basic ingredients and some easy-to-follow instructions, even a novice cook can transform humble ingredients into a show-stopping main course.
One of the key components of this dish is the Cajun seasoning. To make it, a blend of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are mixed together to create a bold and flavorful seasoning mix that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
In addition to the spices, this recipe features a protein-rich filling made of ground beef and rice. The beef is browned and then mixed with cooked rice and a variety of vegetables, creating a satisfying and hearty filling that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tender bell peppers.
To finish the dish, a tangy tomato sauce is poured over the stuffed peppers, providing a delicious contrast to the savory beef and rice filling. The oven-baked peppers become tender and juicy, slathered in the flavorful tomato sauce and bursting with flavor.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it is also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a hearty dinner, a filling lunch, or even as a party appetizer. Plus, it can easily be adapted to your liking, whether you prefer to use ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian alternative.
Overall, Cajun stuffed bell peppers are a rich and satisfying dish that showcases the best of Louisiana’s culinary traditions. With bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite that you will return to time and time again.
Ingredients:
- 6 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet, and cook until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the beef and rice mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each pepper and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Cajun Stuffed Bell Peppers!