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Cozy Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers: Easy Fall Dinner Recipe

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Fun and festive stuffed bell peppers carved with jack-o-lantern faces, filled with a savory ground turkey and rice mixture. Perfect for Halloween parties, fall potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (orange or yellow work best; red also works)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the peppers)
  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef (93/7 turkey recommended for lighter option)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (fire-roasted adds nice flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Small pieces of cheese, black olives, or bell pepper scraps (for carving out eyes and mouths)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook rice according to package directions if not using leftover rice; drain and set aside.
  2. Wash and dry bell peppers. Cut off tops (about ½ inch from stem) and set aside. Remove seeds and membranes. Carve jack-o-lantern faces into the peppers by scoring the skin lightly with a sharp knife—do not cut all the way through.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey (or beef) and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook 2-3 minutes until onion is soft.
  4. Stir in cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and chili powder (if using). Cook 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. Place carved peppers upright in a baking dish. Spoon filling into each pepper, pressing gently to pack. Leave about ½ inch at the top. Sprinkle cheese on top if using. Replace pepper tops like little hats.
  6. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender and tops slightly charred. For extra color, broil 2-3 minutes at the end.
  7. Let peppers rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and add extra face details with cheese or olive pieces. Serve warm.

Notes

Score faces lightly to avoid leaks. Drain diced tomatoes well to prevent soggy filling. Let peppers rest before serving to set filling. Can prep filling and carve peppers a day ahead.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://evabake.com/cozy-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-bell-peppers-easy-fall-dinner-recipe/