Description
This festive Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers recipe is perfect for a fun and hearty Halloween meal. Colorful orange bell peppers are carved like classic jack-o’-lanterns and filled with a flavorful mixture of lean ground beef, cheese, brown rice, and aromatic seasonings. Baked to tender perfection and served with warm tomato sauce, these stuffed peppers make a delightful and visually striking dish for the fall season.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Peppers
- 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
- 4 large orange bell peppers
For the Filling
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce (from the 1 1/4 cups total)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
For Serving and Garnish
- 3/4 cup tomato sauce (remaining from 1 1/4 cups total)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil to prevent sticking and prepare it for the stuffed peppers.
- Carve peppers: Using a small paring knife, carefully carve a jack-o’-lantern face on the side of each large orange bell pepper. Remove the tops and set them aside. Then, remove the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers to make room for the filling.
- Mix filling: In a medium bowl, combine the lean ground beef, melted butter, kosher salt, ground black pepper, chili powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup tomato sauce, minced garlic, sliced green onions, grated sharp cheddar cheese, and cooked brown rice. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Stuff peppers: Evenly spoon the beef mixture into each prepared pepper, packing the filling gently but firmly inside. Replace the top of each pepper that you previously removed.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers upright in the prepared baking dish. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is fully cooked.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, remove the tops off the peppers and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Replace the tops and warm the remaining 3/4 cup tomato sauce on the stovetop or microwave. Spoon the warm tomato sauce around each stuffed pepper on the plate and serve immediately for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Use ripe orange bell peppers for the best jack-o’-lantern look and sweetness.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef for a lighter option.
- Ensure the brown rice is cooked before mixing into the filling.
- If preferred, you can add extra cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a spicier version, add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: stuffed peppers, jack-o'-lantern peppers, Halloween recipe, ground beef stuffed peppers, baked stuffed peppers, festive dinner
