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Spooky Stuffed Peppers

These festive stuffed peppers are baked until tender and topped with melty cheese, featuring colorful bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat or plant-based protein, rice, olives, and feta. The final dish boasts vibrant, slightly crispy tops with juicy, flavorful insides perfect for a Halloween-inspired centerpiece.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: International
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers large and sturdy, with colorful skins
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or plant-based protein cooked until browned
  • 1 cup cooked rice preferably day-old
  • 0.5 cup black olives chopped
  • 0.5 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1 dash hot sauce adds a smoky, spicy kick
  • 1 cup shredded cheese melty and golden, for topping

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large Skillet
  • Spoon or scoop
  • Baking dish
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes using a spoon or scoop, leaving a hollow shell.
  2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a splash of oil over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes. The kitchen will smell warm and savory.
  3. Add the ground beef or plant-based protein to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 8 minutes. It should turn a rich brown color with a pleasant aroma.
  4. Stir in the cooked rice, chopped olives, crumbled feta, and a dash of hot sauce into the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly until combined and heated through, creating a flavorful filling with a slightly chunky texture.
  5. Stuff each hollowed-out pepper with the filling, pressing down gently to pack it in. Place the filled peppers into a baking dish, standing upright.
  6. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese, then add spooky toppings like sliced black olives or cherry tomatoes to create a haunted look. The vibrant toppings will make the dish festive and fun.
  7. Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. You’ll hear a gentle bubbling sound when they're ready.
  8. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the cheese to set slightly. The peppers should be tender but still hold their shape, with a crispy, cheesy top.
  9. Serve the stuffed peppers hot, letting each guest enjoy the colorful, cheesy, and flavorful feast. The mixture inside is juicy and satisfying, and the toppings add a playful, spooky touch.

Notes

Feel free to customize the toppings with other spooky ingredients like sliced jalapeños or pepperoni for extra flair. Using day-old rice helps the filling hold together better, but freshly cooked rice works too once cooled slightly.