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Best Easy Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers - featured image
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Fun and festive jack-o-lantern stuffed bell peppers filled with a classic cheesy beef and rice mixture. A playful twist on a comforting dinner that brings smiles to the whole table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 small onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 large orange bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Prepare the bell peppers: Cut the tops off each pepper about 1/2 inch from the stem. Scoop out seeds and membranes. Rinse and pat dry.
  3. Carve jack-o-lantern faces: Using a sharp paring knife, cut small triangle eyes and a zigzag or curved mouth into the front of each pepper, about 1/2 inch deep. Do not cut all the way through.
  4. Blanch the peppers: Drop the carved peppers and tops into boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Remove with tongs and drain upside down on paper towels.
  5. Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. Season the filling: Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes until combined and heated. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
  7. Stuff the peppers: Place blanched peppers upright in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon filling into each pepper, packing gently. Top with mozzarella if using. Place pepper tops back on at a slight angle.
  8. Bake: Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and peppers are tender but hold their shape.
  9. Rest and serve: Let peppers sit for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with jack-o-lantern faces facing guests.

Notes

Carve faces shallow (about 1/2 inch deep) to prevent filling from leaking. Don’t skip blanching—it ensures peppers cook evenly. For best results, use squat, round orange peppers. Can be prepped a day ahead; add 10 minutes to covered baking time if baking from cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, jack-o-lantern peppers, Halloween dinner, stuffed peppers, ground beef, rice, cheddar cheese, festive dinner

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/best-easy-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe/