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Fun Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers: Easy Halloween Recipe

Fun Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers - featured image
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A festive and easy Halloween dinner featuring orange bell peppers carved into Jack-o-Lanterns and stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (olive or vegetable)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash peppers and cut off the tops (about 1 inch down). Remove seeds and membranes. Set tops aside as lids.
  2. Place hollowed peppers upright in a 9×13 inch baking dish. If they wobble, slice a tiny bit off the bottom. Pour 1/4 cup water into the bottom of the dish. Bake for 15 minutes to par-cook.
  3. While peppers bake, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned. Drain excess grease, leaving a little for flavor.
  5. Stir in uncooked rice, tomato sauce, beef broth, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  6. Remove peppers from the oven. Carve Jack-o-Lantern faces (eyes, nose, mouth) into the peppers, being careful not to cut through the bottom.
  7. Spoon the beef and rice mixture generously into each pepper. Place pepper tops back on like lids. Pour another 1/4 cup beef broth or water into the bottom of the dish.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove foil. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to oven uncovered for 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

Par-baking the peppers ensures they cook evenly with the filling. Drain the beef well to prevent a soggy filling. For a vegetarian version, swap beef for lentils or plant-based meat. Red or yellow peppers can be used but may require less baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween recipe, stuffed peppers, Jack-o-Lantern, ground beef, easy dinner, family friendly, comfort food

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/fun-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-bell-peppers-easy-halloween-recipe/