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Easy Halloween Stuffed Peppers: Best Jack-O-Lantern Recipe

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These Quick Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a fun and easy weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration. Carved bell peppers are filled with a savory turkey and rice mixture, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and dry bell peppers. Using a Sharpie, draw simple jack-o-lantern faces on each pepper.
  2. Using a paring knife, carefully cut out the faces along the lines. Cut the top off each pepper (about 1/2 inch from the stem) and set aside. Scoop out seeds and membranes. Rinse peppers inside and out, then pat dry. Brush outside of each pepper with olive oil.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then add diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground turkey (or beef) and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
  5. Place carved peppers in a baking dish, standing upright. Trim a tiny slice off the bottom if they wobble. Spoon filling into each pepper, packing gently but firmly. Top each with about 1/4 cup shredded cheese.
  6. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and peppers are tender but still hold their shape.
  7. Let peppers rest in dish for 3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Choose squat, round orange bell peppers for the best pumpkin look. Don’t overthink the carving—imperfect faces add charm. Pre-cook the rice fully before stuffing. Drain the diced tomatoes to avoid watery filling. Start checking peppers at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween, stuffed peppers, jack-o-lantern, ground turkey, bell peppers, easy dinner, fall recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/easy-halloween-stuffed-peppers-best-jack-o-lantern-recipe/