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Quick Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Peppers: Easy Halloween Dinner

Quick Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Peppers - featured image
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Fun and easy Halloween dinner featuring bell peppers carved like jack-o-lanterns, filled with a savory beef and rice mixture, topped with melted cheese. Ready in about 35 minutes, this kid-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (orange or red work best; yellow is okay too)
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 lean)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 small onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon pre-minced)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash bell peppers and pat dry.
  2. Cut tops off peppers (about 1/2 inch from top) to create lids. Scoop out seeds and membranes. Rinse if needed.
  3. Carve faces into peppers: cut small triangles for eyes and a jagged mouth on the front. Don’t cut too close to the bottom.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  5. Add ground beef to skillet. Break it up and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  6. Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheese until melted.
  8. Stand peppers in a baking dish. Spoon filling into each pepper, pressing gently. Leave a little room at the top.
  9. Top with remaining cheese, letting some fall into carved eyes and mouth.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until peppers are tender but hold shape. For softer peppers, cover with foil for first 15 minutes, then uncover for last 5.
  11. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Carve faces after scooping seeds, not before, to prevent peppers from falling apart. Use leftover rice for best texture. Double the filling and freeze for another meal. For vegetarian version, swap beef for 1 can black beans or 1 cup cooked lentils. For low-carb, use riced cauliflower instead of rice. Peppers can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated; add 5 minutes to baking time if starting from cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween dinner, stuffed peppers, jack-o-lantern peppers, easy weeknight dinner, kid-friendly Halloween recipe, bell pepper recipe, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/quick-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-peppers-easy-halloween-dinner/