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Halloween Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o'-Lanterns

This dish features hollowed-out bell peppers carved into pumpkin-like faces, filled with a seasoned savory mixture, and roasted until tender with slightly blistered skins. The final presentation resembles cheerful jack-o'-lanterns, combining vibrant colors with a hearty, flavorful filling.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably orange or red for vibrant jack-o'-Lanterns
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey, cooked and drained
  • 1 cup cooked rice white or brown rice
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup for glazing

Equipment

  • Chef's knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the tops off the bell peppers and scoop out the seeds and membranes, creating hollow pumpkin shapes.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
    4 large bell peppers
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
    4 large bell peppers
  4. Mix in cooked rice and shredded cheese into the beef mixture until well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
    4 large bell peppers
  5. Stuff each hollowed-out bell pepper generously with the filling, pressing slightly to pack it in.
  6. Arrange the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the outer skin lightly with honey or maple syrup for a glossy finish and sweet caramelization.
    4 large bell peppers
  7. Place the peppers in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the skins start to blister and caramelize slightly.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Use a knife to carve pumpkin faces on the peppers, creating eyes, nose, and mouth with cutouts.
  9. Serve the Jack-o'-Lantern stuffed peppers warm, with the cheese melted and the carved face revealing the savory filling inside.
  10. Enjoy this playful, seasonal dish that combines colorful presentation with hearty flavors!

Notes

Carve the faces carefully to avoid splitting the peppers. Using colorful peppers enhances the festive look.