Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers (Print)

Hearty stuffed peppers carved festively and filled with savory meat, rice, and cheese for a comforting meal.

# Components:

→ 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, canned or fresh
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, optional

→ Topping

15 - 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

# Directions:

01 - Set oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
02 - Slice tops off the bell peppers and reserve. Remove seeds and membranes. Use a sharp paring knife to carve jack-o'-lantern faces on one side of each pepper.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for approximately 3 minutes until softened.
04 - Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring until fragrant.
05 - Add ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
06 - Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and parsley if using. Continue cooking 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
07 - Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
08 - Stuff each prepared bell pepper with the filling, pressing lightly to pack. Place upright in a baking dish.
09 - Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top of each filled pepper. Place reserved pepper tops back on.
10 - Pour about 1/4 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish to create steam.
11 - Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
12 - Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.
13 - Allow peppers to cool slightly before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect for Halloween with fun jack-o''-lantern carvings
  • Uses basic pantry ingredients and accessible vegetables
  • Comes together in about an hour so it fits busy weeknights
  • Easy to adapt for vegetarians or make gluten-free
  • Family-friendly and always a hit with kids at the table
02 -
  • Naturally gluten-free with rice or gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • Great source of protein and fiber for a balanced meal
  • Cheese helps bind filling and keeps everything moist
  • Peppers freeze beautifully so you can prep ahead for busy holidays
03 -
  • Always carve faces before stuffing to avoid squished filling
  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor
  • Do not skip the water in the baking dish as it steams peppers to tender perfection

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