Get into the Halloween spirit with these adorable and delicious Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers! This savory dish doubles as a festive decoration and a nutritious meal, perfect for a Halloween dinner party or a fun family meal.
Ingredients:
- 6 large orange bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef (or plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash the bell peppers and cut off the tops, reserving them for later. Remove the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into one side of each pepper. Be creative with your designs, but be careful not to cut through the flesh of the pepper entirely.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes to combine all flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.
- Carefully spoon the mixture into each carved bell pepper, filling them to the top.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, then remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pepper.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For an extra spooky touch, place the reserved pepper tops back on each pepper at an angle, as if they were jack-o’-lantern lids.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers on a large platter surrounded by a “graveyard” of dark greens like kale or spinach. You can add some “tombstones” made from crackers or breadsticks for an extra festive touch.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or use a mixture of quinoa and black beans for a hearty vegetarian filling.
- Spicy Twist: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a devilishly spicy kick.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavors and textures.
Make-Ahead Tips:
You can prepare these stuffed peppers a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to step 8, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, continue with the baking instructions, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Enjoy your spooky and delicious Halloween dinner!
