Surf & Turf Stuffed Bell Peppers

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

For the Bell Peppers

• 4 large bell peppers (yellow, red, or orange), tops removed and seeds discarded

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Steak Filling

• 12 oz (340 g) sirloin steak, cut into ¾-inch cubes

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Shrimp

• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk

• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup (60 g) crumbled blue cheese (or smoked Gouda for a milder flavor)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Extra Parmesan cheese

• Cracked black pepper

• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

Step 1 – Roast the Peppers

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Brush the peppers inside and out with olive oil.

3. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

4. Place upright in a baking dish.

5. Roast for 15 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 2 – Cook the Steak

1. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over high heat.

2. Season the steak with:

   • Salt

   • Pepper

   • Smoked paprika

   • Garlic powder

   • Onion powder

3. Sear for 2–3 minutes until browned.

4. Add butter, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.

5. Toss for another minute.

6. Remove from the heat.

Step 3 – Cook the Shrimp

1. Toss the shrimp with:

   • Olive oil

   • Cajun seasoning

   • Paprika

   • Garlic powder

2. Sear in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side.

3. Remove immediately to avoid overcooking.

Step 4 – Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt butter in a saucepan.

2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

3. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream while whisking.

4. Simmer until thickened.

5. Stir in:

   • Mozzarella

   • Blue cheese

   • Parmesan

   • Dijon mustard

6. Mix until smooth and creamy.

7. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5 – Fill the Peppers

1. Spoon a layer of cheese sauce into each roasted pepper.

2. Add the seared steak cubes.

3. Spoon more cheese sauce over the steak.

4. Top each pepper with 3 shrimp.

5. Sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan.

Step 6 – Bake

1. Return the stuffed peppers to the oven.

2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.

3. Broil for 1–2 minutes if desired for additional browning.

Step 7 – Serve

1. Garnish with chopped parsley.

2. Finish with cracked black pepper.

3. Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

Chef's Tips

• Choose peppers with flat bottoms so they stand upright while baking.

• Cook the steak only to medium-rare before baking to keep it juicy.

• Pat the shrimp dry before searing for better caramelization.

• Substitute lobster, crab, or scallops for the shrimp to create a more luxurious version.

• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions to the filling for extra depth of flavor.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~670 kcal

• Protein: 46 g

• Fat: 43 g

• Carbohydrates: 18 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 8 g

• Sodium: 760 mg

Serving Suggestion

These Surf & Turf Stuffed Bell Peppers combine tender seared sirloin steak, perfectly seasoned shrimp, and a rich three-cheese sauce inside sweet roasted bell peppers. Finished with bubbling golden cheese and fresh parsley, they deliver a satisfying balance of savory beef, succulent seafood, creamy richness, and natural sweetness from the peppers. Serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, buttered green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad, and pair with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, or sparkling water with fresh lemon for an elegant restaurant-quality meal.