Spooky Halloween Stuffed Peppers
Bright bell peppers are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of cooked rice, ground meat or beans, onions, and garlic, then baked until tender and bubbling. Topped with cheese for a golden, melty finish, these playful jack-o'-lantern peppers make a fun, festive, and flavorful dish perfect for celebrating fall and Halloween. The final result is a colorful, slightly caramelized, and cheesy stuffed pepper with a tender texture.
Equipment
- Sharp paring knife
- Large baking dish
- Skillet
- Spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 4 pcs bell peppers (orange or yellow for a Halloween glow) preferably firm and fresh
- 1 cup cooked rice white, brown, or cauliflower rice for low-carb
- 1/2 lb ground meat (turkey, chicken, or beef) or beans cooked and drained if canned
- 1 onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan) optional, for topping
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil olive oil or vegetable oil
- fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish fresh herbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Place a large baking dish nearby.
- Use a sharp paring knife to carefully cut the tops off each bell pepper and scoop out the seeds and membranes, creating a hollow cavity that resembles a tiny jack-o'-lantern.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, and add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes, filling the kitchen with a warm, savory smell.
- Add the cooked rice and ground meat (or beans) to the skillet. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well, cooking for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through and fragrant.
- Carefully spoon the filling into each hollowed-out pepper, pressing down slightly to pack the mixture in and ensure they look full and festive.
- Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to keep them tender as they bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender when pierced with a fork and the filling is heated through.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
- Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve the spooky jack-o'-lantern peppers hot, enjoying the tender peppers, savory filling, and cheesy topping that make this dish both fun and satisfying.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute beans or grilled vegetables for meat. Feel free to switch up seasonings or add a splash of hot sauce for extra kick. Make sure to hollow out the peppers gently to prevent splitting during baking.