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Halloween Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o'-Lanterns

These stuffed bell peppers are carved into miniature jack-o'-lantern faces, then filled with a savory mixture of seasoned meat, rice, and melted cheese. After baking, they develop a slightly crispy exterior with bubbling cheese inside, presenting a festive and colorful appearance that combines visual fun with hearty flavor.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bell peppers preferably orange or yellow for festive look
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella works well
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin optional, adds smoky flavor
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Chef's knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Paring knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Using a sharp paring knife, carve small, happy faces into the tops of each bell pepper, creating pumpkin-like jack-o'-lanterns. Carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes to make room for the filling.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and cumin.
  5. Stir in the cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese into the meat mixture. Mix well until combined and creamy.
  6. Stuff each carved bell pepper generously with the meat and rice mixture, pressing down gently to fill all crevices.
  7. Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining shredded cheese, creating a cheesy 'lid' that will melt beautifully during baking.
  8. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, until the peppers are tender and slightly charred at the edges, and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Carefully transfer to a serving platter.
  10. Reattach the carved tops as faces, or serve with the faces still removed for a cuter presentation. Enjoy these festive, cheesy, and savory jack-o'-lanterns as a fun main course.

Notes

Use a sharp knife for carving the peppers smoothly. For a milder flavor, roast the peppers slightly before stuffing. Feel free to customize fillings with beans or vegetables for added nutrition.