Are you looking for a fun and healthy meal that's perfect for a fall gathering or a weeknight dinner? Look no further than these Jack O'Lantern Stuffed Peppers! This easy recipe transforms simple bell peppers into adorable and delicious Halloween-themed creations. It's a fantastic way to get your family involved in the kitchen and enjoy a homemade meal that's both beautiful and satisfying. These stuffed peppers are packed with flavor, making them a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. They're also surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks!
Ingredients:
- 4 large orange bell peppers
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken (lean ground beef works too!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- Olive oil
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the peppers: Carefully cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. To create the jack-o'-lantern faces, use a small knife to carve simple eyes, a nose, and a mouth into the pepper tops. These are best carved slightly larger than your planned designs, as they'll shrink slightly as they roast.
Cook the filling: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Combine ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed some of the liquid.
Stuff the peppers: Spoon the meat and rice mixture into the prepared bell peppers, filling them generously.
Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, add about ½ inch of water to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking, then cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the Jack O' Lantern Stuffed Peppers cool slightly before serving. These are a delightful and hearty meal on their own.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground meat with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled veggie sausage for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Cheese lovers: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as chopped zucchini, bell peppers (different colors!), or mushrooms.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble and bake the peppers.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate for one stuffed pepper using ground turkey would be:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes and best recipes that are both easy to make and nutritious. Enjoy creating these spooky, yet satisfying, Jack O' Lantern Stuffed Peppers! They’re perfect for a family dinner, Halloween party, or any time you're craving a comforting and creative meal. They're sure to become a family favorite!