Bring a fun Halloween twist to your dinner table with Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers! These cute orange bell peppers are carved to look like little pumpkins and filled with a savory, hearty mixture. It’s an easy, delicious, and festive dish for the holiday.
Ingredients
- 4 large orange bell peppers (for the pumpkin look)
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or a plant-based meat substitute
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Peppers: Slice off the tops of each bell pepper, then remove the seeds and inner membranes. Use a small knife to carefully carve Jack-O’-Lantern faces on each pepper for a fun Halloween look.
- Cook the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until they’re soft. Add the ground meat (or meat substitute) and cook until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling into each prepared pepper, pressing down slightly to pack them. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these charming Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers with Halloween-themed table linens from the All Cotton and Linen Halloween Collection to create a spooky setting! Arrange the peppers on a bed of mixed greens, or add a side of roasted carrots or cauliflower for more festive color. Try placing a small LED light under each pepper on the serving platter for a "glowing" effect, making them look even more like lit-up pumpkins.
With their adorable carved faces and hearty filling, these Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are sure to make your Halloween dinner memorable and fun!