Description
Tender bell pepper halves are filled with a rich Cajun-style mixture of ground beef, shrimp, crab meat, hot turkey sausage, buttery breadcrumbs, vegetables, and savory chicken broth. This Southern-inspired stuffed pepper bake is hearty, spoon-soft, comforting, and perfect for a cozy seafood dinner.
Ingredients
1. 5 large bell peppers, halved lengthwise and cleaned
2. 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
3. 1 hot turkey sausage patty
4. 1 pound shrimp, peeled
5. 1 container crab meat, drained
6. 1 can chicken broth, about 14.5 ounces
7. 1/2 onion, finely chopped
8. 1/2 bell pepper, chopped, or 1 celery stalk, chopped
9. 1 tablespoon minced garlic
10. 1 1/2 sticks butter
11. 1/2 bag breadcrumbs, plus extra for topping if desired
12. 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
13. Salt, to taste
14. Black pepper, to taste
15. Diced turkey sausage, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange the cleaned bell pepper halves in a baking dish with the cut sides facing up.
3. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the finely chopped onion, chopped bell pepper or celery, and minced garlic.
5. Cook the vegetables for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant.
6. Add the ground beef, hot turkey sausage patty, peeled shrimp, drained crab meat, and diced turkey sausage if using.
7. Break up the ground beef and sausage as they cook so the filling combines evenly.
8. Season the mixture with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
9. Continue cooking until the ground beef is browned and the shrimp are pink and tender.
10. Gradually stir in the breadcrumbs and chicken broth, adding a little at a time.
11. Stir until the mixture becomes moist, thick, and spoonable. The filling should hold together but should not be dry.
12. Taste the filling and adjust the salt, black pepper, or Cajun seasoning if needed.
13. Spoon the seafood and beef mixture generously into each bell pepper half.
14. Sprinkle a little extra breadcrumbs over the tops of the stuffed peppers if desired.
15. Cover the baking dish with foil.
16. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
17. Remove the foil and reduce the oven temperature to 300°F.
18. Bake uncovered for 15 more minutes, or until the peppers are tender, the filling is hot, and the tops are lightly set.
19. Let the stuffed peppers rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Keep the filling slightly moist before baking because the breadcrumbs will continue to absorb liquid in the oven. If the mixture looks dry, add a little more chicken broth. Cajun seasoning blends vary in saltiness, so taste before adding too much extra salt.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 300