seafood stuffed pepper dinner layers Cajun shrimp with a savory beef and sausage filling

 

This seafood stuffed pepper dinner layers Cajun shrimp with a savory beef and sausage filling, tender rice, and melted cheese. The peppers bring a sweet, fresh balance to the rich, warmly spiced center.
Ingredients :
• 4 large green bell peppers, tops removed and seeds cleaned
• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup cooked rice
• ½ cup smoked turkey sausage, diced
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup diced bell pepper tops
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, plus extra for shrimp
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup tomato sauce or fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds for garnish, optional
How to Make It:1. Prepare the Peppers

Preheat the oven to 375°F and stand the hollowed bell peppers upright in a baking dish, ready to hold the filling.
2. Brown the Filling
Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef, sausage, onion, garlic, and diced pepper tops with the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the meat is browned and the vegetables have softened.
3. Finish the Cajun Mixture
Stir in the tomato sauce or fire-roasted tomatoes and the cooked rice, then simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so the flavors come together. Fold in half of the shredded cheese until evenly incorporated.
4. Stuff and Bake
Divide the filling among the prepared peppers and scatter the remaining cheese over the tops. Bake for about 25 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is hot and melted.
5. Sauté the Shrimp
Season the shrimp with the extra Cajun seasoning and sauté in a skillet with a little of the olive oil for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Arrange the shrimp over the baked peppers and finish with the sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 20 min . Cook Time: 30