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Fun Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Peppers: Easy Halloween Recipe

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A festive and savory main course featuring orange bell peppers carved into lanterns and stuffed with a seasoned mixture of ground meat, rice, beans, and cheese. Perfect for Halloween parties or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • Olive oil (for brushing)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice or white rice
  • 1/2 cup salsa (mild or medium)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 cup water (for baking dish)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash peppers and slice off the top inch to create a ‘lid’.
  2. Place peppers cut-side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Scoop out seeds and membranes. If desired, carve faces into the peppers now.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Brown the ground meat, breaking it up, for 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  4. Add diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder; toast for 30 seconds.
  5. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cooked rice, black beans, salsa, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well.
  6. Stuff the peppers with the filling mixture, packing gently. Replace the pepper lids.
  7. Pour 1/4 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish.
  8. Bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and return to oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender-crisp.
  10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro and sour cream if desired.

Notes

If peppers are thick-walled, microwave for 2 minutes before stuffing. Add water to the bottom of the pan to prevent charring. Can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight; add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting cold. For vegetarian version, swap meat for lentils or tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween recipe, stuffed peppers, Jack-o-Lantern dinner, easy weeknight meal, family friendly, savory pumpkin dish

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/fun-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-peppers-easy-halloween-recipe/