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Cozy Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers: Easy Halloween Dinner

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These festive stuffed bell peppers are carved with jack-o-lantern faces and filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and cheese. Perfect for a fun and easy Halloween dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (orange or yellow work best)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Cut tops off bell peppers (about 1/2 inch from top). Scoop out seeds and membranes. Rinse peppers inside and out.
  3. Blanch peppers in boiling water for 3 minutes. Remove with tongs and drain upside down on paper towels.
  4. Once cool enough to handle, use a paring knife to carve jack-o-lantern faces into one side of each pepper (simple triangles for eyes and a zigzag mouth).
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
  6. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  7. Stir in drained tomatoes, cooked rice, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste (if using). Cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella cheese.
  8. Place carved peppers upright in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon filling into each pepper, pressing gently to pack. Top with cheddar cheese.
  9. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
  10. Let peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

For best results, use day-old rice to prevent a mushy filling. If peppers wobble in the dish, trim a thin slice off the bottom to create a flat surface. To make ahead, assemble peppers up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and add cheese just before baking (add 5 extra minutes to cook time).

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, Halloween dinner, jack-o-lantern peppers, easy dinner, festive dinner, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/cozy-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-bell-peppers-easy-halloween-dinner/