Seafood Stuffed Peppers with Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a mix of seafood, rice, and herbs, baked in a rich tomato sauce. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs bell peppers, shrimp, scallop for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add 1/2 cup chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant, stirring occasionally. Tip: Avoid high heat to prevent garlic from burning.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup long grain rice, 1/2 lb shelled shrimp, 1/2 lb sliced scallop, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir thoroughly until ingredients are evenly mixed and rice is slightly coated in seasoning.
  4. Step 4: Cut off the tops of 6 large bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Stuff each pepper tightly with the seafood-rice mixture, using a spoon to press the filling into the cavity until it reaches the top. Tip: For even cooking, pack the mixture firmly to prevent gaps.
  5. Step 5: Place stuffed peppers upright in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour 2 cups tomato sauce evenly over the top, ensuring all peppers are fully coated. Use a spoon to spread sauce into any gaps between peppers.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender when pierced with a fork and sauce is bubbly and slightly golden around the edges. Tip: Rotate the dish halfway through baking for even browning.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seafood Stuffed Peppers with Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Seafood Stuffed Peppers with Tomato Sauce?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seafood Stuffed Peppers with Tomato Sauce?

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 Seafood Stuffed Peppers with Tomato Sauce 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.

What goes well with Seafood Stuffed Peppers with Tomato Sauce?

American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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