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Stuffed Jack-o'-Lantern Bell Peppers

This dish features bell peppers carved into cheerful jack-o'-lantern shapes, then filled with a savory mixture of cooked rice, seasoned ground meat, vegetables, and cheese. The peppers are roasted until tender and the cheese is melted, resulting in a colorful, festive presentation with a warm, meaty filling and a slightly crispy top.
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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

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably orange for Halloween theme
  • 1 cup cooked rice white or brown, cooked and cooled
  • 1/2 pound ground meat beef, turkey, or chicken
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cheese shredded cheese cheddar or similar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully carve Jack-o'-lantern faces into each, creating cheerful, pumpkin-like expressions. Remove seeds and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This fills the kitchen with a warm aroma.
  3. Add ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Stir in the cooked rice to the meat mixture, combining everything evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Spoon the savory filling into each carved pepper, pressing gently to fill completely and ensure the mixture stays inside during roasting.
  6. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each. Position the pepper tops back in place if desired.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden-brown color.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. The peppers will have a vibrant orange color with melted cheese on top, ready to be enjoyed.