Description
Adorable Jack O Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a festive and flavorful dish perfect for Halloween or any weeknight meal, featuring sweet bell peppers filled with a savory ground beef and rice mixture, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
4 large orange bell peppers
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked white rice
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tbsp taco seasoning or Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Cut off the tops of the orange bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
Carve Jack O Lantern faces on one side of each pepper.
In a skillet, brown ground beef with diced onion; drain fat.
Add minced garlic and seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper; simmer briefly.
Remove from heat and stir in half the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Place carved peppers upright in the baking dish.
Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper.
Top each pepper with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
When carving your Jack O Lantern faces, use a small, sharp knife and take your time. It’s easier to remove the seeds and membranes before carving.
The baking time ensures the peppers become tender. If you prefer them slightly firmer, you can reduce the covered baking time by a few minutes.
Ensure your ground beef is browned evenly for the best texture in the filling.
For extra bubbly cheese, you can broil for the last minute or two, watching very carefully to prevent burning.
Taste the filling mixture before stuffing the peppers and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American