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Perfect Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers

Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers - featured image
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A festive and forgiving Halloween dinner recipe featuring bell peppers carved into jack-o-lanterns and stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and cheese. Quick, easy, and kid-approved.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (orange, yellow, or red recommended)
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1.5 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Optional: Diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash bell peppers and slice off the top about an inch from the stem. Set tops aside.
  3. Scoop out seeds and white membranes from inside the peppers using a spoon. Pat the inside dry with a paper towel.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes).
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
  7. Return skillet to low heat. Add cooked rice, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella cheese.
  9. Place hollowed peppers in a 9×13 inch baking dish. If they wobble, slice a tiny bit off the bottom to create a flat base.
  10. Stuff each pepper generously with the filling. Do not pack too tight.
  11. Top each pepper with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
  12. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  13. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden, and peppers are tender.
  14. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure rice is cooked and cooled before mixing. If using leftover rice, break up clumps. For a vegetarian option, swap beef for lentils or plant-based meat. Carving faces before baking creates a glowing effect as cheese melts into holes. Do not overstuff to prevent spilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween dinner, stuffed peppers, jack-o-lantern recipe, easy family meals, ground beef recipes, kid-friendly dinner, festive cooking

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/perfect-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-bell-peppers-5-easy-halloween-dinner-ideas/