Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers

Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers

 

### **Ingredients:**

– 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, or green)

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 celery stalk, chopped

– ½ cup chopped mushrooms (optional)

– 8 ounces lump crab meat

– 8 ounces cooked and chopped shrimp

– ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

– ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– ½ teaspoon paprika

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

 

### **Instructions:**

 

1. **Prepare the Bell Peppers:**

– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

– Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse and set aside.

 

2. **Cook the Filling:**

– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

– Add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

– If using mushrooms, add them to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.

– Stir in the crab meat, shrimp, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon juice, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through.

 

3. **Stuff the Peppers:**

– Arrange the bell peppers in a baking dish.

– Stuff each bell pepper with the crab and shrimp mixture, pressing down slightly to fill each pepper completely.

– Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish to help keep the peppers moist during baking.

 

4. **Bake the Peppers:**

– Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

– Remove the foil, sprinkle the tops of the stuffed peppers with the shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

 

5. **Serve:**

– Remove from the oven and let the peppers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Bell Peppers as a main course or side dish!