Cajun Sausage Dirty Rice Stuffed Peppers

• 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 lb Cajun sausage, casing removed
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and green bell pepper, sauté until softened.
3. 3 Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
4. 4 Crumble in the Cajun sausage and cook until browned.
5. 5 Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
6. 6 Meanwhile, place bell peppers in a baking dish. Spoon the sausage and rice mixture evenly into each pepper.
7. 7 Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
8. 8 Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Oven

Variations

• Add cooked shrimp or diced chicken for extra protein.
• Substitute blackened seasoning for a different Cajun flair.

Substitutions

• Use Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Brown rice can replace white rice for a healthier option.

Pairings

• Pairs well with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
• Serve with Creole-style red beans on the side.

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra moisture, drizzle a bit of chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish before adding the stuffed peppers.
• If you prefer milder heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of cornbread for a complete meal.
• A crisp green salad would balance the hearty flavors nicely.

FAQ