These fun Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a tasty way to celebrate Halloween! Each pepper is carved like a pumpkin and filled with a delicious mix of rice, meat, and spices.
They’re not just cute but also make for a great family cooking project. I love letting my kids help with the carving—they think they’re real artists! 🎃
And the best part? You can load them up with your favorite fillings. It’s like bringing the spirit of Halloween right to the dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orange Bell Peppers: Large orange bell peppers are perfect for creating Jack-O’-Lanterns. If orange is hard to find, yellow or red peppers work well too. You still get a nice shape and taste!
Ground Beef: I often use ground beef for a hearty filling, but ground turkey is a great lighter option. For a vegetarian version, swap in black beans or lentils for awesome flavor and protein.
Cooked Rice: I recommend using white rice for its mild flavor, but brown rice or quinoa can add a different twist and are more nutritious. Just be sure they’re cooked ahead of time.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice taste boost! However, if you want to switch things up, try Monterey Jack or a mix of cheeses. Dairy-free options are good if you need to avoid dairy.
How Can I Make Sure the Peppers Bake Perfectly?
Baking the peppers correctly is key to getting them tender but not mushy. Here’s how:
- After filling the peppers, place them upright in a baking dish to help them cook evenly and maintain their shape.
- Cover with foil for the first half of baking to keep the moisture in, then uncover to melt the cheese and let them get a bit of color.
- Check for doneness after 30 minutes; they should be tender but not falling apart. If you like them a little softer, bake an additional 5-10 minutes, but keep an eye on them!
These little tips will help your Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers turn out great every time!
Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 large orange bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake. It’s a perfect option for a fun and festive dinner, combining creativity and delicious flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets it nice and hot for baking your peppers perfectly!
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers:
Wash the orange bell peppers under cold water. Carefully cut off the tops and set them aside. You’ll be using them later! Remove all the seeds and membranes from the inside of each pepper to make space for the filling.
3. Carve the Face:
Using a small knife, carve fun Jack-O’-Lantern faces into each pepper. Go for classic triangle eyes and a jagged mouth. Just be careful not to cut through the sides!
4. Make the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing them until they become tender and start to smell good, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Cook the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Be sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks! Once done, drain any excess fat.
6. Season the Mixture:
Add in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly mixed together.
7. Combine Rice and Tomatoes:
Add the drained diced tomatoes and the cooked rice to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if you’d like.
8. Stuff the Peppers:
Carefully spoon the meat and rice mixture into each carved bell pepper until they’re filled nicely.
9. Bake the Peppers:
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Pop the tops back on each pepper and bake them uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10. Add Cheese:
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the tops of the peppers, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on the filling, and return them to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, you can garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve your Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers warm and enjoy this festive treat with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Colors of Bell Peppers?
Absolutely! While orange peppers give a classic Jack-O’-Lantern look, you can use yellow, red, or even green peppers. Just keep in mind that the flavor might vary a bit based on the color!
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Peppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. For best results, add a little splash of water before covering them in the microwave to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze the Stuffed Peppers?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they are cooled completely first. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake until heated through.
What Can I Substitute for the Ground Meat?
If you want a meatless option, you can substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or tofu. Just make sure to season them well to ensure your stuffing remains flavorful!
