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Cozy Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Peppers: Easy Fall Dinner

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Fun and festive stuffed bell peppers carved with jack-o-lantern faces, filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, cheese, and spices. Perfect for a cozy fall dinner that delights kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (orange or red recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (85/15 recommended)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
  • 1 small onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Wash and dry bell peppers. Cut around the stem and remove the top. Save tops for chopping into filling. Scoop out seeds and membranes.
  3. Using a sharp paring knife, carve jack-o-lantern faces on one side of each pepper (simple triangles for eyes and a jagged smile). Save cut-out pieces and chop finely for filling.
  4. Submerge hollowed peppers in boiling water for 3 minutes to blanch. Remove with tongs and drain upside down on paper towels.
  5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  6. Add ground meat and cook, breaking it up, until browned (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  7. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute. Add drained diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  8. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cooked rice, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and any chopped pepper pieces. Mix until cheese melts. Adjust seasoning.
  9. Place blanched peppers upright in a baking dish. Stuff each pepper generously with the filling. Top with extra shredded cheese.
  10. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and peppers are tender.
  11. Let peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

For best results, use squat, wide peppers for easier carving and stability. Blanching is essential to ensure even cooking. Save cut-out pepper pieces to add to filling. If peppers tip over, use crumpled foil to keep them upright. Resting after baking helps them hold their shape.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed peppers, jack-o-lantern, fall dinner, Halloween, bell peppers, ground beef, comfort food

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/cozy-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-peppers-easy-fall-dinner/