Ingredients

6 large orange bell peppers

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 cup cooked white rice

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup tomato sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Small sharp knife for carving

Extra cheese for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare peppers by cutting off the tops and removing seeds and membranes. Carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into one side of each pepper using a small sharp knife. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the white rice according to package directions if not already prepared. Set aside.

Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 4: Add diced onion to the meat and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, half of the shredded cheese, half of the tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper with the meat mixture. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Stand the peppers upright in a baking dish, trimming the bottoms if needed for stability. Fill each pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Top each with the remaining cheese.

Step 7: Pour the remaining tomato sauce around the peppers in the dish. Add 1/2 cup water to create steam during baking.

Step 8: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, until peppers are tender.

Step 9: Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to allow the cheese to brown lightly. Ensure the carved faces are visible and cheese is melted.

Step 10: Let the stuffed peppers cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with the carved faces facing out for full festive effect.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey for a leaner option or switch to ground sausage for a different flavor.

Try adding chopped mushrooms or bell pepper to the filling for extra texture and nutrition.

Substitute cooked quinoa for rice to increase protein and fiber.

Choose different colored bell peppers and carve creative faces for variety and fun presentation.

For a vegetarian version, replace meat with cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms and use vegetable broth in place of water.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffed peppers in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and stuff the peppers a day ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the freshest taste.

What can I use if I don’t have orange bell peppers?

While orange bell peppers give the classic Jack O’Lantern look, yellow or red bell peppers work well in this recipe too, just without the Halloween color effect.