Get ready to transform your dinner table with a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that will make your taste buds dance! These Stuffed Peppers with Shrimp are not just a meal, they're a culinary adventure that combines the succulent sweetness of shrimp with the vibrant colors and flavors of bell peppers. Imagine cutting into a perfectly roasted pepper, revealing a treasure trove of juicy shrimp, hearty rice, and melted cheese that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a gourmet home-cooked meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes, creating hollow vessels for stuffing.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, seasoning with salt, pepper, and cumin. Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and chop into smaller pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped shrimp, corn, black beans, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff each bell pepper generously with the shrimp and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to become golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
Tips
- • Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a flat bottom to help them stand upright in the baking dish • For extra flavor, consider roasting the bell peppers slightly before stuffing to enhance their natural sweetness • Don't overcook the shrimp - they should be just pink and tender to prevent becoming rubbery • Use pre-cooked rice to save time, but make sure it's cooled before mixing with other ingredients • For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling • If you want a crispier top, broil the peppers for 2-3 minutes after baking to get a golden cheese crust • Prep the peppers and filling in advance to make weeknight cooking a breeze • Serve with a side of sour cream or fresh salsa to complement the flavors
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 392kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 38g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 140mg
