Spooktacular Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers for Party Fun

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of roasted bell peppers sizzling in the oven, filled with a festive concoction that dances across your taste buds. Imagine biting into a perfectly cooked Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed pepper, where each mouthful bursts with a medley of flavors that make you feel like you’ve been transported to a cozy fall festival. For more inspiration, check out this caramel coconut cookies recipe.

This dish isn’t just a feast for the senses; it also brings back memories of my childhood Halloween parties, where every dish felt like an adventure. Picture me, donning a ridiculous witch hat, running around while my mom whipped up these delightful Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers for party gatherings. Witch hat appetizers for Halloween Pumpkin shaped sliders for parties The vibrant colors and playful presentation always made them the star of the night.

I remember one Halloween when my nephew took one bite and declared it “the best thing ever,” which sent everyone into fits of laughter as he attempted to devour his entire pepper in one go. Mini spider pizzas for Halloween.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bell Peppers: Choose bright orange or yellow peppers for their festive look and natural sweetness.
• Ground Beef or Turkey: Either option works well; choose lean meat to keep it healthier.
• Onion: A medium onion adds depth and sweetness; make sure it’s finely chopped for even cooking.
• Rice: Cooked rice serves as a hearty base; use brown rice for added texture and nutrition.
• Diced Tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes for convenience; they add moisture and flavor to the filling.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese enhances creaminess; consider using sharp cheddar for a bold flavor.
• Spices: A mix of cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper elevates the taste profile significantly.

For the Topping:

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh garnish that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe recipe.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Oven and Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off your bell peppers and remove seeds carefully. Set aside while preparing the filling.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

Add Your Meat and Flavorings: Stir in ground beef or turkey along with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned completely while breaking it apart with a spatula.

Mix in Rice and Tomatoes: Add cooked rice and diced tomatoes to your meat mixture. Stir well until everything is combined nicely; let simmer for another 5 minutes.

Stuff Those Peppers!: Carefully fill each bell pepper with your savory mixture until overflowing slightly at the top. Place them upright in a baking dish.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese bubbles delightfully.

With these steps complete, you’ll be ready to serve up some impressive Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed peppers! Each bite will remind you why this recipe has become such a cherished favorite during Halloween festivities. Halloween vegetable tray ideas Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley before serving – it’s like adding a sprig of joy on top of your culinary masterpiece!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the stuffing. Cook the filling first, then stuff and bake the peppers for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the traditional fillings with ingredients like black beans or ground turkey. Top with cheese or your favorite salsa for added flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Cooking these Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone eagerly awaited their turn to dig in.

FAQ

Can I make Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and bake them before serving.

What fillings work best for these stuffed peppers?

Any mixture works well; try quinoa, rice, beans, or ground meat for variety.

How can I make my stuffed peppers vegetarian?

Simply use lentils or chickpeas instead of meat for a hearty vegetarian option.

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Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

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• Author: Ava Mack
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a festive and flavorful dish perfect for Halloween gatherings. These vibrant bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, creating a delightful blend of flavors that will remind you of cozy fall festivities. Each bite is not only delicious but visually appealing, making them the star of your table. Easy to prepare and customizable, these stuffed peppers are sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large bell peppers (orange or yellow)
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add ground beef or turkey along with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
4. Stir in cooked rice and drained diced tomatoes; simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the filling until slightly overflowing. Place upright in a baking dish.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - For vegetarian options, replace meat with lentils or chickpeas. - Feel free to customize your fillings by adding black beans or different types of cheese.