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Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a festive and flavorful Halloween dish that transforms colorful bell peppers into charming jack-o’-lanterns stuffed with a hearty mixture of ground meat or plant-based protein, rice, tomato sauce, and spices. This recipe is perfect for adding a playful yet delicious centerpiece to your Halloween celebrations while providing a balanced meal rich in protein, vitamins, and fiber.

Ingredients

Scale

Peppers

  • 4 large bell peppers (orange or yellow for the best jack-o’-lantern look)

Filling

  • 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat (quinoa or lentils for vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, divided)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and to develop rich flavors in the stuffed peppers.
  2. Prepare the Peppers: Carefully cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Using a small knife, carve jack-o’-lantern faces into the sides of each pepper for a festive look. Set the peppers aside.
  3. Cook the Filling: Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground meat or plant-based alternative, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  4. Mix in Rice and Sauce: Stir the cooked rice, tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Cook the mixture for an additional 3-4 minutes to blend flavors and heat through. If using, mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese to add creaminess to the filling.
  5. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each carved pepper with the prepared filling mixture, pressing down gently to pack it tightly. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Pour extra tomato sauce over each pepper if desired, then sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.
  6. Bake the Peppers: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to enhance presentation and flavor.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
  • Substitute cooked quinoa or lentils for a vegetarian version.
  • For a lower-carb alternative, replace rice with cauliflower rice.
  • Add diced vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling for extra nutrition.
  • Monitor baking time carefully to avoid overcooking peppers; they should be tender yet hold their shape.
  • Pack the filling tightly into peppers to prevent collapsing during baking.
  • The cheddar cheese is optional but adds delicious creaminess and enhances flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers, Halloween recipe, stuffed bell peppers, festive dinner, ground beef stuffed peppers, vegetarian stuffed peppers, cheesy stuffed peppers, healthy Halloween meals

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/jack-o-lantern-stuffed-peppers-recipe/