Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a flavor explosion that'll transport you straight to the heart of Louisiana! These mouthwatering Dirty Rice Stuffed Peppers are not just a meal—they're a culinary journey packed with bold Cajun flavors, tender ground meat, and perfectly seasoned rice that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you're a spice lover or just looking to break out of your cooking routine, this recipe promises to deliver a knockout dish that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your stuffed peppers cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the bell peppers by cutting the tops off and removing the seeds and membranes. Rinse them under cold water and set them aside to drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, followed by the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully stuff each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it in gently but firmly.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If they don't stand well, you can slice a small amount off the bottom to create a flat base.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help steam the peppers as they cook. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
- After 25-30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the tops to brown slightly.
- Once cooked, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Louisiana Dirty Rice Stuffed Peppers!
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a flat bottom to help them stand upright during baking.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and spicy sausage to amplify the Cajun profile.
- Don't skip draining excess fat after cooking the meat—this ensures your stuffed peppers aren't greasy.
- Make sure to pack the filling firmly into the peppers to prevent it from falling apart.
- If you want a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or pepper jack on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- For a low-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice for traditional rice.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated and reheated, making them a great make-ahead meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
