If you’re looking for a fun and festive Halloween main course, you have to try Jack-o’-lantern Stuffed Peppers. These adorable stuffed peppers are carved to resemble mini jack-o’-lanterns, adding a playful touch to your Halloween dinner.
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Jack-o’-lantern Stuffed Pepper recipe
Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers are a festive and fun dish, perfect for Halloween. These stuffed peppers resemble traditional jack-o’-lanterns, making them an appealing choice for parties and family dinners during the spooky season.
They’re not just cute, though—inside, they’re filled with a delicious, hearty mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, making them the perfect combination of flavor and festivity. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just looking to add a little seasonal flair to your family dinner, these stuffed Jack-o’-lantern peppers are sure to impress!
You can pair this main dish with sides like grilled herb garlic zucchini, a fresh salad, or tomato basil drop biscuits. A spicy kidney bean salad also complements the peppers well.
For drinks, try festive Halloween punches like “witches’ brew” or refreshing iced teas and sparkling fruit beverages. The Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers also pair well with apple cider, wine (like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon), or Mexican lagers. You can serve spiked apple cider or bourbon cocktails for a fun twist.
Here’s how to make the Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers:
Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 4 large orange bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes drained
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Use a small paring knife to carve jack-o'-lantern faces into the sides of the peppers. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until fully combined.
- Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Let the peppers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your spooky and delicious Halloween-themed dinner!
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers come in different versions. Here are some ideas for you to try:
- Slow Cooker Version offers a convenient alternative for busy Halloween hosts. It results in incredibly tender peppers with well-melded flavors. Here’s a simple method:
- Arrange the stuffed peppers in the slow cooker.
- Add 1/2 cup of water or broth to the bottom.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Grilling Option adds smoky flavor
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place stuffed peppers on a piece of aluminum foil or a grill-safe pan.
- Grill for 30-35 minutes with the lid closed, checking occasionally.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly options
- Replace the rice with cauliflower rice to significantly reduce the carb content.
- Use ground turkey or lean ground beef if you’re watching calories as well, but this won’t impact carbs much.
- Omit the diced tomatoes or use a lower-carb option like chopped zucchini or spinach to cut back on the carbs from tomatoes.
- Dairy-free Alternatives accommodate lactose-intolerant guests.
- Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
- Include cashew cream for a creamy texture
- Replace with vegan cheese alternatives.