Beatrice Stuffed Bell Peppers
Beatrice Stuffed Bell Peppers offer a delightful blend of seafood, ground meat, and fresh herbs, all baked to perfection. The savory stuffing is packed with flavors from shrimp, crab, and spices, making it an excellent choice for seafood lovers or special family dinners that impress.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the bell peppers in water until soft and then let them cool.
- Melt margarine in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, chopped celery, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the saucepan.
- Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- Add ground meat to the mixture and cook until browned.
- Stir in shrimp and crab meat, and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Add bread crumbs, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the cooled peppers with the mixture.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of the stuffed peppers.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until heated through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground meat. You can also use vegetable broth instead of margarine for sautéing the vegetables. If you're short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can work well. For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like Old Bay seasoning, which complements seafood dishes beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread. A refreshing citrus-based salad can balance the richness of the filling. For a complete meal, consider serving with rice or quinoa. They also make a great appetizer when cut into smaller portions, similar to the way you’d serve Coquilles St. Jacques.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beatrice Stuffed Bell Peppers contains roughly 1232 calories, with 71g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (331% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (163% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2870mg per serving (125% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add any seafood you prefer, such as scallops or lobster. Just ensure that the seafood is cooked before adding it to the mix. This flexibility allows you to customize the flavors based on what you have or your personal preferences.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or quinoa. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or corn for texture. Keep the shrimp and crab meat out, and use vegetable broth instead of margarine for sautéing.
Can I prepare these stuffed peppers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just stuff the peppers when you're ready to cook. Alternatively, you can assemble the stuffed peppers and refrigerate them before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).