American Seafood and Sweet Potato Stuffed Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bell peppers stuffed with a hearty mix of sweet potato, quinoa, and shrimp, baked to perfection. This american-inspired seafood (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 45 minutes pairs bell peppers, sweet potato, shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) by placing rack in center and allowing oven to fully heat for 10-15 minutes. Tip: Preheating ensures even cooking and prevents undercooked centers.
  2. Step 2: Cook 1 cup quinoa in 2 cups water or vegetable broth, bringing to a boil, then reducing heat to low, covering, and simmering for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and grains are fluffy. Tip: Rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to prevent sogginess.
  3. Step 3: Dice 2 cups sweet potato into 1/2-inch cubes and roast in a single layer on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until edges are golden brown and tender. Tip: Roasting enhances natural sweetness and adds caramelized flavor.
  4. Step 4: Peel and devein 1 lb shrimp, patting dry with paper towels. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté shrimp for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque, stirring occasionally. Remove from pan and set aside.
  5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potato, sautéed shrimp, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, and 1 tsp oregano. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are evenly distributed and quinoa is slightly broken apart.
  6. Step 6: Cut the tops off 8 bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes with a spoon, then gently hollow out the centers to create a cavity. Pack the quinoa mixture into each pepper, pressing firmly to compact.
  7. Step 7: Top each stuffed pepper with 1 tbsp shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, ensuring even coverage. Place peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 25 minutes, or until peppers are tender when pierced with a fork and cheese is golden and bubbly. Tip: Check doneness at 20 minutes—peppers may need additional time if undercooked.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does American Seafood and Sweet Potato Stuffed Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover American Seafood and Sweet Potato Stuffed Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bell peppers from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in American Seafood and Sweet Potato Stuffed Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale American Seafood and Sweet Potato Stuffed Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is American Seafood and Sweet Potato Stuffed Peppers vegetarian-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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