Jambalaya-Stuffed Peppers Recipe Brings Louisiana Flavors Home

A cozy, cheesy spin on a classic New Orleans dish that's perfect for a Mardi Gras party.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

This recipe for jambalaya-stuffed peppers takes the bold, smoky flavors of the Louisiana classic and transforms it into an easy weeknight dinner. Instead of simmering everything in a pot on the stove, the savory mix of chicken, andouille sausage, vegetables, and seasoned rice is tucked into sweet bell peppers and baked until tender, just like classic stuffed peppers.

Why it matters

Jambalaya is a beloved New Orleans dish, and this recipe puts a unique spin on it by stuffing the flavors into bell peppers. It's a cozy, cheesy way to enjoy the Cajun flavors at home, whether for a Mardi Gras celebration or a regular weeknight meal.

The details

The filling is made by sautéing chicken, andouille sausage, celery, jalapeño, onion, and garlic, then mixing in cooked rice, broth, tomatoes, and pepper jack cheese. The mixture is spooned into bell pepper halves, topped with more cheese, and baked until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. No need to pre-cook the peppers, as the baking process softens them gradually.

  • The recipe takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes total, including 45 minutes of baking time.

The players

Ree Drummond

The creator of this recipe, known as The Pioneer Woman, who is a popular food blogger and cookbook author.

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What they’re saying

“These jambalaya-stuffed peppers take the bold, smoky flavors of the Louisiana classic and transform it an easy weeknight dinner.”

— Ree Drummond (thepioneerwoman.com)

What’s next

Serve the jambalaya-stuffed peppers with a simple green salad or broccoli slaw for a satisfying, flavorful meal. They would also make a great addition to a Mardi Gras party menu.

The takeaway

This recipe proves that you can enjoy the bold, Cajun flavors of jambalaya in a convenient, family-friendly stuffed pepper dish. It's a cozy and creative way to bring the tastes of New Orleans to your own kitchen.