Description
Celebrate Halloween with these festive Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers, featuring bright orange bell peppers carved with classic pumpkin faces and filled with a hearty, savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and aromatic spices. This fun and delicious recipe makes a perfect spooky centerpiece for a family dinner or Halloween party.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Peppers
- 4 large orange bell peppers
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Carefully cut the tops off the orange bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Using a small knife, carve fun jack-o’-lantern faces into the front of each pepper by cutting out triangle eyes and a jagged mouth. Set aside.
- Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add Seasoning and Rice: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook together for a few minutes until heated through and flavors combine well. Remove from heat.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each carved pepper, filling them generously. Place the stuffed peppers standing upright in a baking dish.
- Bake the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each pepper, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Allow the stuffed peppers to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for added color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use any variety of cheese you prefer; mozzarella or pepper jack are great alternatives.
- These peppers can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- If you don’t want to carve faces, simply slice the tops off without designing faces for a simpler look.
- To save time, cook rice ahead or use leftover rice.
