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Halloween Stuffed Bell Peppers as Jack-o'-Lanterns

This dish features bell peppers carved into Jack-o'-Lantern faces, stuffed with a savory mixture of cooked rice, seasoned ground meat, and cheese. The peppers are baked until tender and the filling is bubbling, resulting in colorful, playful, and flavorful Halloween-themed appetizers or main courses, with a combination of soft peppers and melt-in-your-mouth fillings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably orange or yellow for classic Jack-o'-Lantern look
  • 1 cup cooked rice white or jasmine rice works well
  • 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey, for a leaner option
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup cooked pumpkin or carrot puree optional for added color and sweetness

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Baking dish
  • Spoon
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Begin by carefully slicing off the tops of the bell peppers and removing the seeds and membranes, creating an opening for carving and filling.
  2. Use a small paring knife to carve classic Jack-o'-Lantern faces into each pepper. Make sure to cut out eyes, a nose, and a jagged mouth, ensuring the cuts are deep enough to be visible but not through the entire pepper wall.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. This fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma as the onions soften.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with the spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Stir in cooked rice, shredded cheese, and optional pumpkin or carrot puree for added color and sweetness. Mix thoroughly so that all ingredients are combined evenly.
  6. Spoon the filling mixture into each carved pepper, pressing gently to fill fully and level the surface. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly. You'll hear gentle bubbling and see the cheese lightly melted and browned.
  8. Remove the peppers from the oven and let cool slightly. Use a fork or spoon to add finishing touches, like a small stem or additional face details, if desired.
  9. Serve these colorful Halloween peppers warm, with a side of your favorite autumny sides or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Notes

For more fun, use different colored peppers or add small accessory face pieces for extra personality.