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Halloween Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are carved to resemble jack-o'-lanterns, filled with a savory mixture of cooked rice, ground meat, and vegetables. They are baked until tender, with melted cheese on top, and their bright orange color and carved faces create a festive, playful appearance suited for Halloween celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Western
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably orange for a classic jack-o'-lantern look
  • 1 cup cooked rice white or brown rice, cooled
  • 0.5 pound ground meat beef, turkey, or chicken
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Chef's knife
  • Spoon
  • Small paring knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cooking pot

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bell peppers on a baking sheet and cut out a small, circular lid from the top of each, then carefully carve face holes into the front of each pepper to resemble jack-o'-lanterns using a small paring knife. Scoop out the seeds and membranes, then set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, releasing a sweet aroma. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cooked rice and mix until evenly combined and heated through.
  4. Spoon the filling into each hollowed-out pepper, pressing gently to pack it in. Top each with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese to add a melty, golden layer when baked.
  5. Place the carved peppers back onto the baking sheet, then bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly charred around the edges. The cheese on top should be bubbly and golden.
  6. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, displaying your spooky jack-o'-lanterns on a festive platter, ready to impress and delight.

Notes

Feel free to get creative with the face carving—zigzags, triangles, or smiley faces add extra fun. You can also prepare the filling ahead of time for a quicker assembly.