These fun Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed peppers are perfect for Halloween! Each pepper is filled with a tasty mix of rice, beans, and spices, then carved to look like a spooky pumpkin.
I love how they add a festive touch to dinner! Plus, kids enjoy helping to carve their own little jack-o’-lanterns. Talk about a win-win for fun and flavor! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orange Bell Peppers: These are essential for that Jack-O’-Lantern look! If you can’t find orange, consider yellow or even red peppers. They’ll still taste great but won’t be as festive.
Rice: I used white rice, but feel free to swap it for brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option. Both add a nice texture and flavor.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are super convenient! If you’re avoiding beans, you could add cooked ground turkey or beef instead or use lentils for a veggie option.
Spices: Ground cumin and chili powder add flavor. If you want a milder flavor, cut back on the chili powder or use smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness.
Cheese: Shredded cheese is optional but yummy! If you’re dairy-free, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or skip it altogether.
How Do You Carve Bell Peppers Like a Pro?
Carving pumpkins is fun, and so is carving bell peppers! Here’s how to do it efficiently:
- Use a small, sharp knife to carefully carve the faces. First, draw your design with a pen on the pepper’s skin before cutting.
- Cut out triangle shapes for eyes and a jagged line for the mouth. You can make it cute or spooky based on your mood!
- Keep the cuts shallow; you don’t want to slice all the way through. This way, they hold their shape better while baking.
Take your time! It’s all about having fun and making it look festive. If you’re concerned about cutting into the pepper, use a cookie cutter for extra ease.
Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 5 large orange bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup cooked or canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15-20 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to bake. So overall, you’re looking at about 45-55 minutes to enjoy your spooky-themed meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Peppers:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, wash the orange bell peppers thoroughly. Carefully cut off the tops of each pepper, creating lids, and scoop out the seeds and membranes to keep them hollow for stuffing.
2. Carve Jack-O’-Lantern Faces:
Using a small paring knife, carve fun and spooky Jack-O’-Lantern faces into the outside of each bell pepper. Make triangle shapes for the eyes and nose, and a jagged mouth to give them personality! Remember, these are your little pumpkins for the meal!
3. Cook the Filling:
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells delicious.
4. Mix in the Goodies:
Next, stir in the cooked white rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and some salt and pepper. Let this mixture cook together for about 2-3 minutes so that all the flavors mingle. Remove from heat when you’re done.
5. Stuff the Peppers:
If you’d like, mix in the shredded cheese into the filling for a cheesy surprise! Now, it’s time to stuff your carved bell peppers with this tasty mixture. Press it down gently to fill them completely.
6. Bake and Serve:
Stand the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and pop the lids back on. Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape. Once they’re ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool just a bit.
7. Final Touches:
Garnish your Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed peppers with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve them warm and enjoy your hearty, festive meal!
Happy Halloween and enjoy your delightful Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers!
Can I Use Different Colored Peppers?
Absolutely! While orange peppers are perfect for that Jack-O’-Lantern look, you can use yellow, red, or even green peppers. Just note that the flavor may vary slightly based on the color of the pepper.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly as it uses beans and rice! If you want to make it vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Stuffed Peppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through.
Can I Prepare These Peppers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the fridge temporarily before baking. Just cover them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and bake them when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are cold from the fridge.
