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Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers: A Spooky and Delicious Halloween Dinner Idea

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Discover how to make Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers, a fun and festive Halloween dinner idea for families and party hosts. Perfect for beginners and home cooks across the USA looking for spooky yet delicious holiday recipes.

  • Author: Nia Yarden
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 stuffed peppers 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, turkey, or chicken
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional)
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Optional: corn kernels, black beans, diced zucchini, mushrooms, or hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Wash and slice tops off bell peppers. Remove seeds and membranes. Carve Jack-o’-Lantern faces using a small knife and set aside tops as lids.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cooked rice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook 5 minutes until well combined. Mix in half of the shredded cheese.
  5. Stuff each pepper with the filling and place upright in the baking dish. Replace lids.
  6. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil, top with remaining cheese, and bake another 10 minutes until peppers are tender.
  7. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with salad, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread.

Notes

Choose firm orange peppers for best carving and baking results. Avoid overbaking to prevent collapsing. Prepare filling ahead for easy assembly. Perfect for Halloween dinners and parties!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.nytrecipe.com/jack-o-lantern-stuffed-peppers/