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Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Peppers – Easy Halloween Dinner Kids Love

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Festive, fun, and comforting, these Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Peppers feature carved orange bell peppers filled with a savory mix of seasoned beef, rice, tomato sauce, and gooey cheese. Perfect for Halloween parties or a memorable family dinner, this recipe is easy to customize for different diets and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice (or quinoa)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the orange bell peppers. Cut off the tops (about 1/2 inch) and remove seeds and membranes. Carve jack-o-lantern faces into one side of each pepper using a sharp paring knife.
  2. Brush the outside of the peppers lightly with olive oil.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange peppers upright in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Use crumpled foil or a muffin tin to keep them stable if needed.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up with a spatula, until browned.
  5. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  6. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and fold in shredded mozzarella cheese.
  7. Spoon the hot filling into each pepper, packing gently. Fill to about 1/4 inch from the top. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  8. Replace the pepper tops for a classic look, or leave them off for more melted cheese.
  9. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until peppers are fork-tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Let peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For vegetarian, swap meat for beans, mushrooms, or lentils. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese. Carve faces slowly with a sharp knife. Prep filling ahead for efficiency. Use orange peppers for best jack-o-lantern look. If peppers collapse, serve in bowls. Filling can be customized with extra veggies or spices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, stuffed peppers, jack-o-lantern, kid-friendly, comfort food, party recipe, easy dinner, fall recipes, festive, beef, turkey, cheese, vegetables

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/jack-o-lantern-stuffed-peppers-easy-halloween-dinner-kids-love/