Description
These Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are carved like little pumpkins and filled with a savory mix of ground meat, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese. A fun and festive Halloween dinner idea!
Ingredients
6 large orange bell peppers
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato or pasta sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds. Carve faces using a paring knife.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and ground meat, cooking until browned.
Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese.
Spoon filling into carved peppers. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
Place peppers in a baking dish with a bit of water at the bottom. Cover loosely with foil.
Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Choose firm, flat-bottomed peppers for best results. Carve simple jack-o’-lantern faces and avoid overstuffing. Use plant-based or gluten-free swaps as desired.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
Keywords: Jack-O'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers, Halloween dinner ideas, spooky stuffed peppers, Halloween recipes, carved bell peppers, fun Halloween meals, festive fall dinner