Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers (Printable Version)

Stuffed bell peppers with savory filling make a festive, comforting main that's perfect for Halloween or fall evenings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bell Peppers

01 - 4 large orange or yellow bell peppers

→ Filling

02 - 1 pound ground beef or turkey
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup cooked rice
06 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
07 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
14 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

→ Topping

15 - 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Set oven to 375°F. Allow to preheat while preparing ingredients.
02 - Slice the tops off each bell pepper and set aside. Remove seeds and membranes. Carefully carve jack-o'-lantern faces into one side using a paring knife.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
04 - Add minced garlic into the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously until fragrant.
05 - Add ground beef or turkey, break up with a spoon, and cook until thoroughly browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat as needed.
06 - Incorporate cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley into the meat mixture. Cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes.
07 - Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
08 - Fill each carved bell pepper with the prepared meat and rice mixture, packing gently. Arrange peppers upright in a baking dish.
09 - Distribute 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the stuffed peppers. Place the reserved tops on each pepper.
10 - Pour 1/4 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish to encourage steaming.
11 - Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
12 - Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 minutes, until bell peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbling.
13 - Allow peppers to cool slightly before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses simple vegetables meat and rice you likely have on hand
  • Lighthearted presentation that turns dinner into a holiday event
  • Customizable with different fillings and meat choices so every family member gets favorite flavors
  • Kid approved and hands on carving makes prep engaging
  • Ready to serve in just over one hour and perfect for busy autumn evenings
02 -
  • Incredible source of vitamin C and protein
  • Perfect for gluten free diners if you use gluten free rice
  • Can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving
  • Bell peppers shine in autumn and give more nutrients than many starches
03 -
  • Carving through pepper walls is easiest with a small sharp knife go slow for neat lines
  • Always drain excess fat from meat for lighter filling
  • Let peppers cool just a few minutes before serving the filling sets up and faces hold their shape beautifully

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