These Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed peppers are fun and tasty! Bright orange bell peppers are filled with a yummy mix of rice, beans, and spices, making them a perfect fall treat.
They’re not just cute; they’re also healthy and a great way to get kids excited about dinner! I love serving these with a side of salsa for an extra kick. 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: Choose orange or yellow bell peppers to create that fun pumpkin look. If these aren’t available, you can use green peppers, but the color won’t be as festive! I find that a combination of colors can make the dish even more delightful.
Rice: I prefer using brown rice for its nutty flavor and texture, but you can use white rice or even quinoa for a healthier option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly.
Ground Meat: Ground turkey or beef adds richness, but for a completely vegetarian option, I recommend adding more beans or even lentils. It keeps the filling hearty and satisfying.
Spices: The spices give a warm flavor to the dish. If you want to adjust for heat, add more chili powder or even some cayenne pepper. I love a bit of spice, so I often add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
How Do I Carve the Perfect Jack-O’-Lantern Face on Peppers?
Carving the face on the peppers can be tricky but fun! Here’s how to achieve a cute pumpkin look:
- Use a small and sharp knife to gently carve your design. Start with simple shapes like triangular eyes and a jagged mouth.
- Take your time—if you’re not confident in your carving skills, start with just two simple eye holes.
- For attachment, use sliced black olives. They add a great contrast and are easy to stick into the pepper.
- Practice on a scrap piece of pepper if you’re beginners so you can gauge how hard to press without tearing.
With patience, your peppers will look festive and fun for the dinner table!
Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peppers:
- 6 orange or yellow bell peppers (for the pumpkin look)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (for cooking rice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey or beef (optional; for a vegetarian version, omit meat)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup black beans (canned and drained or cooked)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Decoration:
- Black olives, sliced (for the Jack-O’-Lantern face)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, so you should have these delightful stuffed peppers ready in about 1 hour! Perfect for a busy autumn evening.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to bake the peppers to perfection.
2. Prepare the Peppers:
Wash the bell peppers under running water. Cut off the top of each pepper and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set the tops aside for later since these will serve as “lids” for your pumpkins!
3. Carve Your Faces:
Using a small knife, carefully carve out fun Jack-O’-Lantern faces on the front of each pepper. Get creative with the shapes of the eyes and mouth! You can use sliced black olives to make eyes, noses, and mouths by sticking them onto the peppers — this gives a cute touch!
4. Cook the Rice:
In a saucepan, cook the rice according to the package instructions, but substitute water with vegetable or chicken broth for extra flavor that will carry through to your filling!
5. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
6. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn it!
7. Brown the Meat (If Using):
If you’re adding ground turkey or beef, add it to the skillet now. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. If you’re going for a vegetarian option, skip this step!
8. Mix in the Goodies:
Now stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, cooked rice, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and cook for about 5 minutes until the filling is heated through!
9. Stuff the Peppers:
Take the filling mixture and spoon it into the hollowed bell peppers until they’re full and overflowing a bit. The more, the merrier!
10. Replace the Lids:
Carefully place the top of each bell pepper back on to create a cute little pumpkin!
11. Prepare to Bake:
Place the stuffed peppers standing upright in a baking dish. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish to keep them moist while they bake.
12. Bake Them Up:
Put the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve warm, and if you like, add a side of salsa for dipping!
Enjoy your festive and tasty Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers, a perfect and healthy dish for Halloween or cozy fall dinners!
Can I Use Different Color Bell Peppers?
Absolutely! While orange and yellow peppers give a classic pumpkin appearance, you can also use green or red peppers. Just keep in mind that the color will impact the festive look, but they will still taste delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Peppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Peppers?
Yes! You can freeze stuffed peppers before or after baking. Just wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.
What Can I Substitute for the Ground Meat?
If you’re looking to keep it vegetarian, you can substitute the ground meat with extra beans, lentils, or even chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or corn to add flavor and texture.
