Jack-O'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

🎃Why You'll Love This Halloween Recipe

It's the rare Halloween dinner that's genuinely nutritious without trying to hide it — protein, veggies, whole grains, all in an edible pumpkin. Kids who 'don't like peppers' suddenly do.

🧺Ingredients for Jack-O'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

• 6 large orange bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• Fresh parsley

👩‍🍳How to Make Jack-O'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Step by Step

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (200°C).
2. Slice the tops off the peppers and scoop out seeds. Carve jack-o'-lantern faces with a small sharp knife.
3. Brown the meat with onion and garlic; drain.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, rice, seasonings, salt, and pepper; simmer 5 minutes.
5. Stuff each pepper with the filling and top with mozzarella.
6. Place in a baking dish with 1/2 inch of water, cover with foil, and bake 25 minutes.
7. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until the cheese bubbles and peppers are tender.

🍂Halloween Party Serving Ideas

Serve on a bed of black rice for a dramatic plate, with a dollop of sour cream 'moon' on the side.

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❓Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes — swap the meat for black beans and corn, or a plant-based crumble.

Do the carved faces hold up in the oven?

Yes — they darken slightly and look even spookier. Keep faces simple for the cleanest result.

Can I prep them ahead?

Carve and stuff up to a day ahead; refrigerate covered and bake when ready, adding 5 minutes.

What rice works best?

Any cooked rice — white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb.