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Cozy Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe with Savory Ground Beef Easy

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A festive and comforting stuffed pepper recipe featuring carved orange bell peppers filled with a savory ground beef mixture, perfect for fall and Halloween dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 pound (450g) 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (120ml) tomato sauce
  • ¾ cup (150g) cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil or line a baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Cut the tops off the orange bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Carve jack-o-lantern faces on each pepper and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 6–8 minutes until no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Transfer beef mixture to a bowl and fold in cooked rice until well combined.
  7. Stuff each carved pepper with the beef and rice filling, packing gently but not too tight.
  8. Sprinkle about ¼ cup shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
  9. Place stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until peppers are tender but firm and cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. Let peppers rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Avoid overcooking peppers to keep their shape. Rest stuffed peppers after baking to help filling set. Use a splash of beef broth if filling seems dry. Keep knives sharp for easier carving. Can substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat. For gluten-free, use quinoa or cauliflower rice and gluten-free tomato sauce. Cheese can be omitted or replaced with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed peppers, jack-o-lantern peppers, ground beef recipe, Halloween dinner, fall recipe, savory stuffed peppers, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/cozy-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-peppers-recipe-with-savory-ground-beef-easy/