Jack O’ Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Jack O’ Lantern Stuffed Peppers: A Spooky and Delicious Halloween Treat

Introduction

Halloween is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen, and these Jack O’ Lantern Stuffed Peppers are both festive and flavorful. These cute, spooky peppers, carved like mini pumpkins, make for a delightful dinner or party centerpiece. With a delicious filling of seasoned ground meat, rice, and veggies, this dish is as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or a Halloween party showstopper, this recipe has you covered!

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Recipe Card: Jack O’ Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Recipe Name:
Jack O’ Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Description:
Bell peppers carved like Jack O’ Lanterns, filled with a savory mix of ground meat, rice, and veggies—perfect for a Halloween dinner or party.

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	40 minutes
Total Time	1 hour
Servings	4 servings
Calories	Approximately 300 calories per serving

Ingredients:

• 4 orange bell peppers (for the Jack O’ Lantern look)
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Peppers:
   Cut the tops off the bell peppers and set them aside. Remove the seeds and ribs from the inside of the peppers. Using a small knife, carefully carve Jack O’ Lantern faces into the sides of each pepper—triangles for eyes and a toothy grin are classic options!
3. Cook the Filling:
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
4. Add Seasoning and Tomatoes:
   Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the diced tomatoes and cooked rice to the mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. Let it cook for 2-3 more minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Stuff the Peppers:
   Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the carved peppers, packing it down gently. If you’d like, top the filling with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
6. Bake the Peppers:
   Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Put the pepper tops back on like a lid, and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the peppers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve your adorable Jack O’ Lantern stuffed peppers as a fun Halloween dinner or party dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fun and Festive: These peppers are sure to impress with their cute Jack O’ Lantern design, making them a great Halloween dinner idea.
2. Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, vegetables, and rice, this dish is a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
3. Customizable: You can easily swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative, and use different grains like quinoa.

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Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Orange Bell Peppers: For the classic Jack O’ Lantern look, orange bell peppers work best, but you can use red, yellow, or green for variety.
• Ground Meat: Ground beef gives a rich flavor, but you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative like plant-based crumbles.
• Rice: White or brown rice both work, but you could also use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

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Expert Tips for Success

• Carve Carefully: Use a small, sharp knife to carve the faces. If you’re making this recipe with kids, consider letting them draw the faces, and you can do the carving.
• Don’t Overstuff: Pack the peppers firmly but not too tight to avoid the filling spilling out while baking.
• Extra Flavor: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder to the filling if you like a little heat.

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Variations and Customizations

• Cheesy Twist: Add extra cheese to the filling and top the peppers with a thick layer of melted cheese for a gooey finish.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground meat for black beans or lentils to make a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Stuffed Peppers: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the filling for a spicier version.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storing Leftovers: These peppers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for extra flavor.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the peppers and fill them ahead of time, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them as directed.
2. Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
   Absolutely! Stuff the peppers and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to eat them, bake them from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
3. What other fillings can I use?
   Feel free to experiment with different fillings like quinoa, couscous, or even mashed sweet potatoes for a different texture and flavor profile.

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Related Recipes

• Stuffed Bell Peppers with Italian Sausage
• Taco-Stuffed Peppers
• Vegan Stuffed Peppers with Lentils and Rice

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Conclusion

These Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a fun and delicious way to celebrate Halloween. With a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and spices, they’re as tasty as they are festive. Give them a try, and enjoy a spooky, wholesome dinner with your family and friends!

Give it a try, and savor the festive flavors of these Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers! Perfect for a spooky dinner or Halloween party treat, these peppers are packed with delicious ingredients and fun to make. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your #BeesRecipes creations on Instagram – we can’t wait to see your unique take on these pumpkin-inspired stuffed peppers!