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Spooky Stuffed Peppers

These spooky stuffed peppers are filled with a savory mix of ground meat, rice, onions, garlic, and spices, then topped with melted cheese for a cheesy, smoky finish. The peppers are baked until tender and golden, creating a festive and flavorful centerpiece perfect for Halloween or any gathering. Their vibrant appearance and bubbling filling make them as fun to serve as they are delicious.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers bright and firm
  • 1/2 pound ground meat beef, turkey, or chicken
  • 1 cup rice cooked
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cheese melty, golden
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Skillet
  • Knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Place a baking dish in the oven to warm.
  2. Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes with a spoon or knife, creating hollow vessels.
  3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes, until they soften and become aromatic.
  4. Add the ground meat to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed meat mixture, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt if desired. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
  6. Stuff each hollowed pepper generously with the filling, pressing slightly to pack it in.
  7. Arrange the stuffed peppers in the preheated baking dish. Drizzle with a little olive oil over the top, then cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  8. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until peppers are tender and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Check at 30 minutes for doneness.
  9. Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the tops of the peppers. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
  10. Once baked, remove from the oven and let sit for about 5 minutes to allow the filling to set and cool slightly.
  11. Serve hot, with the cheese bubbling and golden, and enjoy your spooky, cheesy stuffed peppers!

Notes

Feel free to swap out the ground meat for lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Keep an eye on the cheese to prevent burning, and adjust baking time based on pepper tenderness.