Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine, you’ll love these Cajun Style Stuffed Peppers. The blend of spicy andouille sausage, tender shrimp, and Creole seasoning infuses the rice with deep, rich flavors. Paired with the sweetness of bell peppers, this dish offers the perfect balance of spice and comfort. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving something with a bit of heat, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

6 large green bell peppers
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
black pepper to taste
¾ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 ½ links of andouille sausage, diced
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 lemon – cut into wedges, for garnish (Optional)
Louisiana-style hot sauce (Optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease an 8×12-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Blanch the peppers in boiling water for about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
Stir in the garlic, oregano, Creole seasoning, and black pepper. Add the shrimp and andouille sausage to the skillet and cook until the shrimp turns pink, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the rice and cook for 1 minute, allowing the rice to soak in the flavors.
Pour in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid thickens.
Stuff each bell pepper with the shrimp and sausage mixture and place them in the greased baking dish.
Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Serve with lemon wedges and a drizzle of Louisiana-style hot sauce for an extra kick.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Vegetarian: Swap the shrimp and sausage with a plant-based sausage or a combination of mushrooms and beans for a vegetarian version.
Spicy: If you love heat, increase the amount of Creole seasoning or add extra Louisiana-style hot sauce into the stuffing mixture.
Rice: Try brown rice or quinoa as a substitute for long-grain white rice for added texture and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Cajun Style Stuffed Peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per pepper.

FAQs

1. Can I use different colored bell peppers for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any color of bell pepper, but green bell peppers provide a slightly more bitter taste that complements the spiciness of the Cajun seasoning.

2. Can I make the stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the peppers and stuffing the day before and refrigerate them. Bake them in the oven just before serving for the best results.

3. Can I substitute the andouille sausage with another type of sausage?

Yes, if you can’t find andouille sausage, you can use other types of smoked sausages or even chicken sausage as a milder option.

4. Can I make this recipe without shrimp?

Yes, you can skip the shrimp and use more sausage or add another protein such as chicken breast or ground turkey.

5. Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add more Creole seasoning, include additional hot sauce, or add chopped jalapeños or other hot peppers to increase the spice level.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover stuffed peppers for up to 1 month. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.

7. How can I make this dish lighter?

To lighten the dish, you can use turkey sausage instead of andouille sausage, and reduce the amount of oil. You can also substitute the rice with cauliflower rice.

8. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice, basmati rice, or even quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time for different rice varieties.

9. What can I serve alongside Cajun Style Stuffed Peppers?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or cornbread to balance the spiciness.

10. Can I add cheese to the stuffed peppers?

Yes, you can sprinkle shredded cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack on top of the stuffed peppers before baking for a cheesy twist.

Conclusion

Cajun Style Stuffed Peppers bring the bold flavors of Louisiana right to your dinner table. With a delicious combination of shrimp, sausage, and Creole seasoning, they are a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something spicy or want to spice up a classic, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress.

Cajun Style Stuffed Peppers Recipe