Q1: What is the absolute, number one secret to a stuffed pepper that is tender and not hard or crunchy?

The secret is to give the peppers enough time to cook and steam! The method in this recipe of baking them covered with foil for the first 30 minutes is crucial. This traps the steam and is the key that gently cooks the thick walls of the pepper until they are perfectly soft and tender. For an even more foolproof result, you can pre-bake the empty peppers for about 15 minutes before you even add the filling.

Q2: Can I make these Halloween stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead dish! The best method is to prepare the entire beef and rice filling and store it in the refrigerator. You can also carve your peppers ahead of time. Then, on the night of your party, you can simply stuff the peppers and bake them for a fresh-from-the-oven main course.

Q3: What is the best and safest way to carve a bell pepper?

The safest way is to use a small, sharp paring knife . After you have hollowed out the pepper, you can place it on your cutting board and use the tip of your knife to gently trace and then cut out your classic, spooky triangle eyes and a jagged mouth.

Q4: Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes, this is a fantastic freezer meal! For the best result, it is a great idea to assemble the stuffed peppers completely, but do not bake them . You can then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you are ready to eat, you can bake them directly from frozen, just be sure to cover them with foil for the first 45-50 minutes and then uncover them for the final 15 minutes.

Q5: What is the best kind of bell pepper to use for stuffing?

For this fun, Halloween-themed recipe, an orange bell pepper is the perfect choice because it looks the most like a pumpkin! However, red or yellow bell peppers are also fantastic choices because they are much sweeter and more flavorful when cooked than a green bell pepper.

Spooky Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers (The Perfect Halloween Dinner!)

A festive, Halloween-themed recipe for classic stuffed bell peppers. In this dish, large orange, red, or yellow bell peppers are carved with ‘creepy faces’ to resemble jack-o’-lanterns before being stuffed. The hearty filling is a savory mixture of browned ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onions and garlic, and diced tomatoes, all seasoned with cumin and paprika. The stuffed peppers are baked until tender, then topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese.

Author: Grace

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (orange, red, or yellow)
1 lb ground beef
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Black olives for eyes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Carefully cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Using a small paring knife, carve creepy jack-o’-lantern faces into the sides of the peppers.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the carved peppers with the beef and rice mixture and place them upright in a baking dish.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the tops of the peppers with the shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can place the pepper tops (stems) back on to complete the ‘pumpkin’ look.

Notes

This is a creative and fun way to serve a classic comfort food for a Halloween dinner.
Carving the faces into the peppers before they are cooked is much easier and safer than doing it afterward.
Using pre-cooked rice is a convenient time-saving shortcut for the filling.

Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/jack-o-lantern-stuffed-peppers/