Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween while enjoying a savory and hearty meal. These bell peppers, carved to look like pumpkins, are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, then topped with melted cheese. Not only do they make an adorable addition to your Halloween spread, but they also make a satisfying main dish that will delight both kids and adults alike. Perfect for a spooky dinner or a themed party, these stuffed peppers are easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 orange bell peppers
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese for topping

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully cut the tops off the orange bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set the tops aside for later use.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), cooked rice, chili powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing the filling gently.
6. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
7. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of each stuffed pepper, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve your Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Peppers hot and enjoy the spooky fun!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Jack-o-Lantern Peppers: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils, quinoa, or black beans for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Spicy Version: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the stuffing mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Options: For different flavor profiles, use Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese instead of the regular shredded cheese.
• Different Fillings: You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different taste. You can also experiment with adding vegetables like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers to the stuffing mixture for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave for 2-3 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
   While orange peppers are ideal for creating the “Jack-o-Lantern” look, you can also use red, yellow, or green bell peppers for the stuffing.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when baking.
3. What kind of rice should I use?
   You can use white, brown, or even wild rice in this recipe. Make sure the rice is cooked before adding it to the filling.
4. Can I freeze Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Peppers?
   Yes, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, adding cheese for the last 5 minutes.
5. How do I carve the peppers into Jack-o-Lanterns?
   To carve, use a small knife or pumpkin carving tools to cut jack-o-lantern faces into the sides of the bell peppers. Be careful when cutting so that the pepper stays intact.
6. Can I make these without meat?
   Yes, you can make these stuffed peppers without meat. Use cooked quinoa, lentils, or beans as a substitute for ground beef.
7. What if I don’t have chili powder?
   If you don’t have chili powder, you can use a combination of paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper to achieve a similar flavor. You can adjust the amounts based on your spice preference.
8. Can I add more vegetables to the stuffing?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like corn, peas, or diced zucchini to the stuffing mix for added nutrition and flavor.
9. Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
   Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even a vegetarian protein like crumbled tempeh or tofu.
10. How do I know when the peppers are done cooking?
    The peppers should be tender when pierced with a fork but not falling apart. If you’re unsure, you can cut one in half to check that the filling is hot and the peppers are cooked through.

Conclusion

Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Peppers offer a delicious, festive way to celebrate Halloween or simply add a fun twist to your weekly dinner routine. With a savory filling of ground beef, rice, and spices, these peppers are packed with flavor, and their adorable Jack-o-Lantern faces will make them a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re serving them as a spooky Halloween dinner or just looking for a hearty and creative meal, these stuffed peppers are sure to bring a smile to your face.

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