Shrimp-Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious and elegant dish featuring sweet bell peppers filled with a savory, cheesy shrimp mixture. This dish is light yet satisfying, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a special occasion. With a combination of tender shrimp, aromatic seasonings, and creamy cheese, these stuffed peppers are packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- High in Protein: Shrimp provides a lean and nutritious protein source.
- Rich & Flavorful: A mix of garlic, cheese, and seasonings enhances every bite.
- Versatile: Works with different cheeses, grains, and spice levels.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large bell peppers (any color)
- Shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- Diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Creole or Cajun seasoning (optional for a spicy kick)
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Lightly brush the outside with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
- Cook the Shrimp Mixture:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add chopped shrimp and cook until pink (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
- Stuff the Peppers:
- Fill each bell pepper with the shrimp mixture, pressing down gently.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour a little water into the bottom of the baking dish to help steam the peppers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Creamy Version: Add cream cheese to the shrimp mixture for extra richness.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra Cajun seasoning.
- Extra Protein: Mix in crab meat or chopped cooked sausage.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw before cooking.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
2. What type of bell peppers work best?
Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green peppers have a more bitter taste.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the peppers ahead of time, then bake when ready.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the stuffing?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini make great additions.
5. What can I serve with shrimp-stuffed bell peppers?
A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair well.
6. Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes, grill over medium heat for about 20 minutes, covering with foil.
7. How do I keep the filling from becoming too watery?
Drain excess liquid from the tomatoes and sauté shrimp just until pink.
8. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Mozzarella melts well, but cheddar or feta can also be used for different flavors.
9. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
10. Can I add a sauce on top?
A drizzle of lemon butter sauce or marinara enhances the dish.
Conclusion
Shrimp-Stuffed Bell Peppers are a flavorful and protein-packed dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with cheesy, garlicky goodness. Whether baked or grilled, these stuffed peppers are a delicious and versatile meal option. Serve them with a fresh salad or your favorite side dish for a satisfying meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer / Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Seafood
Description
These Shrimp-Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious and healthy seafood twist on a classic stuffed pepper recipe. Juicy shrimp, creamy cheese, and flavorful seasonings come together for a perfect appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
For the Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), halved and seeds removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Shrimp Filling:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brush the bell pepper halves with olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes to soften.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the chopped shrimp, paprika, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink.
- Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, mix cooked shrimp with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, and lemon juice.
- Stuff the Peppers:
- Fill each bell pepper with the shrimp mixture.
- Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
- Bake & Serve:
- Return stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with more parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use jumbo shrimp for a meatier filling.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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