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Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Easy Recipe for Fall Gatherings

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Festive and cozy stuffed orange bell peppers carved like Jack-O-Lanterns, filled with a savory mix of ground meat, rice, spices, and melted cheese. Perfect for Halloween parties and fall dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey (or cooked lentils/black beans for vegetarian)
  • 1 cup (190 g) cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rinse and dry the orange bell peppers. Slice about ½ inch (1.5 cm) off the tops to create lids. Carefully carve Jack-O-Lantern faces on each pepper using a paring knife. Remove seeds and membranes gently to keep the peppers intact.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the meat. Stir well to coat evenly. Pour in diced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes to meld flavors and reduce liquid slightly.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese until combined. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture feels dry.
  7. Spoon the filling into each carved pepper, packing gently but not overfilling. Top each with the remaining cheese. Place the pepper lids on top.
  8. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Add about ½ inch (1.25 cm) water to the bottom of the dish to help steam and keep peppers tender. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly, and peppers are tender but not mushy.
  10. Let cool slightly before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Light a candle inside each pepper for a glowing effect at the table.

Notes

Use thicker-skinned peppers to hold shape better during baking. Drain excess fat from meat to avoid greasy filling. Add water to baking dish to steam peppers gently. Let peppers rest 5 minutes after baking for best flavor and handling. Can prepare and stuff peppers a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. For vegan version, use plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Swap rice for cauliflower rice for grain-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jack-O-Lantern stuffed peppers, Halloween recipe, fall recipe, stuffed bell peppers, ground meat stuffed peppers, festive dinner, easy stuffed peppers

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/jack-o-lantern-stuffed-bell-peppers-easy-recipe-for-fall-gatherings/