Description
A spooky and delicious Halloween dinner! These Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers are filled with a savory mixture of beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese — all baked inside carved orange bell peppers that look like mini pumpkins.
Ingredients
- 6 large orange bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Extra cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cut off the tops of the orange bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Use a small, sharp knife to carve Jack O’Lantern faces into one side of each pepper. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
- Spoon the beef mixture into each carved pepper, pressing gently to fill completely. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.
- Top each pepper with a little extra cheese. Replace the pepper tops for decoration.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for a festive Halloween meal!
Notes
- Make it vegetarian by swapping ground meat for black beans or lentils.
- Use different colored bell peppers for a fun mix of spooky Jack O’Lanterns.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American