Jack O Lanterns

Turn your dinner table into a Halloween masterpiece with these festive Jack O’ Lanterns! Bright orange bell peppers are transformed into edible jack-o’-lanterns with fun carved faces and stuffed to the brim with a savory mixture of ground beef (or turkey), fluffy cooked rice, and diced tomatoes, all perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion, and Italian spices. Topped with melty cheddar cheese and baked to tender perfection, these stuffed peppers double as a playful main course and a seasonal centerpiece. Ideal for spooky gatherings or a family-friendly treat, this recipe combines creative presentation with comforting flavors, making it an irresistible autumn dish. Ready in just over an hour, these stuffed bell peppers are a wholesome and festive way to celebrate fall.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Orange bell peppers
• 1 pound Ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 cup Cooked white rice
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) Diced tomatoes
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Slice the tops off the orange bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Save the tops to use as lids.

Step 3

Using a small paring knife, carefully carve jack-o'-lantern faces into each pepper. Set aside.

Step 4

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Stir in the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 7

Add the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and mix in 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Save the remaining cheese for topping.

Step 9

Stuff each carved bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture, packing it in tightly.

Step 10

Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.

Step 11

Cover the peppers with their 'lid' tops and loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 13

Carefully remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 14

Serve these fun and festive Jack O' Lantern bell peppers warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2064.6 grams (2064.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2284

Total Fat 145.00g	186%
Saturated Fat 63.70g	319%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.40g
Cholesterol 484mg	161%
Sodium 4303mg	187%
Total Carbohydrate 124.90g	45%
Dietary Fiber 27.60g	99%
Total Sugars 48.60g
Protein 122.70g	245%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1173mg	90%
Iron 20mg	112%
Potassium 3927mg	84%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.9%

Protein: 21.4%

Carbs: 21.8%