Get ready to celebrate Halloween with these festive Halloween Stuffed Peppers! These colorful, jack-o-lantern-inspired peppers are not just fun to look at; they're also filled with a delicious mixture that makes for a hearty meal.
INGREDIENTS
- Orange Bell Peppers: 8 peppers, hollowed out and carved with jack-o-lantern faces.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing the onions.
- Diced Yellow Onion: 2 1/4 cups, about 1 onion, for flavor.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: 1 pound, providing a hearty protein base.
- Minced Garlic: 1 tablespoon, or about 3 cloves, for a savory kick.
- White Basmati Rice: 1 1/2 cups, cooked according to package instructions.
- Black Beans: 1 can (15.5 ounces), rinsed and drained for added fiber.
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 ounces), to keep everything moist and flavorful.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon, for herby notes.
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon, enhancing the overall taste.
- Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, for seasoning.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, to taste.
- Shredded Cheese: 3/4 cup, either cheddar or colby jack, for a cheesy topping.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Step 2:
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers. Using a small paring knife, remove the ribs and seeds from inside, then carve jack-o-lantern faces on one side of each pepper. Place the peppers in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 3:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4:
- Add the ground turkey (or chicken) and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, breaking apart the meat with a wooden spoon.
- Step 5:
- Stir in the cooked rice, black beans, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 more minutes, until the rice absorbs some of the sauce. Remove from heat.
- Step 6:
- Scoop a generous amount of the filling into each pepper and top with an equal amount of shredded cheese.
- Step 7:
- Pour 1 1/2 cups of water into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the peppers begin to soften.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these stuffed peppers warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- They pair well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Helpful Notes
- You can substitute the ground turkey or chicken with beef or a meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or zucchini to the filling.
- Use different colored peppers for a vibrant presentation.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
- Rachael Ray suggests adding a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Ina Garten emphasizes the importance of seasoning the filling well.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- These stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also visually appealing with their fun jack-o-lantern faces.
- They are packed with protein and fiber, making them a healthy choice.
- Perfect for family dinners or Halloween gatherings!
VARIATIONS
- Experiment with different grains like quinoa or farro instead of rice.
- Try using different types of cheese such as pepper jack for added flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, fill the peppers with a mixture of beans and vegetables instead of meat.