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Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

This dish features vibrant orange bell peppers carved with playful faces, filled with a savory, spiced cheese and meat mixture. The peppers are roasted until tender and the filling is bubbly and golden, creating a festive and flavorful presentation perfect for Halloween celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large orange bell peppers preferably large for stuffing
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice can substitute with quinoa or couscous
  • 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey/lamb
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika for spicing the filling
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

  • Chef's knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Kitchen spoon
  • Small knife
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut the tops off the peppers and scoop out the seeds and membranes to create a hollow cavity for the filling.
  2. Carve small faces into each pepper using a small knife, creating triangle eyes, a nose, and a jagged mouth to resemble jack-o'-lanterns.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  4. Mix in the cooked rice, paprika, salt, and pepper with the meat. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the shredded cheese, allowing it to melt into the mixture.
  6. Place the carved peppers upright on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a spoon, fill each pepper generously with the meat and rice mixture.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly and golden around the edges.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve the stuffed peppers on a platter, showcasing their carved faces and vibrant color.

Notes

Feel free to customize the filling with additional vegetables or different cheeses for varied flavors. For an extra spooky touch, add some sliced olives or cherry tomato eyes.