Bring the bold, savory flavors of the Big Easy right to your kitchen with these New Orleans Stuffed Bell Peppers. Bursting with seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and a rich Creole-inspired blend of spices, these peppers are baked until perfectly tender and topped with melty cheese for the ultimate Southern comfort meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and filling: Each pepper is a complete meal on its own meat, rice, veggies, and flavor in every bite.
Authentic New Orleans flavor: Cajun seasoning, tomato sauce, and aromatic vegetables deliver a bold Louisiana kick.
Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead and reheating later.
Crowd pleaser: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or freezer meals.

Ingredients for New Orleans Stuffed Bell Peppers

– Bell Peppers – large and firm, any color you like
– Ground Beef – or try a blend of beef and pork for extra flavor
– Cooked White Rice – classic in New Orleans-style stuffed peppers
– Onion, Celery, and Garlic – the “holy trinity” of Creole cooking
– Tomato Sauce – binds everything together
– Cajun or Creole Seasoning – brings bold spice and depth
– Worcestershire Sauce – adds umami richness
– Breadcrumbs – helps bind the filling and add texture
– Egg – helps hold the filling together
– Shredded Cheese – cheddar or a blend, for topping
– Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper – essentials for sautéing and seasoning

Suggested Measurements:

• 4 large bell peppers (halved and seeded)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Peppers
Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Lightly brush with olive oil and place in a baking dish. Pre-bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes to soften slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and celery until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Season the Meat
Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the meat mixture with cooked rice, breadcrumbs, and beaten egg. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the filling into each bell pepper half. Top with shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

45 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 5 minutes

Yield:

Serves 4 to 6

Substitutions and Variations

– Use ground turkey, sausage, or a meat blend
– Add chopped shrimp for a seafood twist
– Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option
– Spice it up with diced jalapeños or hot sauce

Extra Tips

– Pre-bake the peppers to ensure they’re tender, not crunchy
– Let the filling cool slightly before mixing in the egg
– Drain the beef well so your filling isn’t greasy
– Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and texture
– Double the batch and freeze extras before baking for a future meal

FAQ’s

1. Can I use leftover rice?
Yes, leftover rice works perfectly here.

2. Can I freeze these?
Yes. Freeze stuffed, unbaked peppers wrapped tightly. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour, covered.

3. Do I need to cook the peppers before stuffing?
Par-baking them softens the texture and makes for better results, but it’s optional.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

5. What if I don’t like spicy food?
Use a mild Creole seasoning or reduce the amount for less heat.

6. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—replace the beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute.

7. Do I need to use breadcrumbs?
They help bind the filling, but you can skip them or use crushed crackers or oats.

8. What cheese is best?
Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Creole blend all work beautifully.

9. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Stuff the peppers and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until tender.

10. What side dishes go well with it?
Cornbread, collard greens, or a fresh salad pair wonderfully with these peppers.

Conclusion

New Orleans Stuffed Bell Peppers are a soulful, savory dish that packs all the flavors of Louisiana in one easy-to-make recipe. With a satisfying mix of beef, rice, and spices baked into tender bell peppers, it’s a comforting favorite that’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

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