Bring some fun to your Halloween table with these creative stuffed peppers. Not only are they adorable, but they're also packed with flavor from ground turkey, black beans, and spices. Plus, you can get creative with the jack-o-lantern faces to make them even more festive! These peppers are an easy way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your Halloween festivities, making them a perfect dish for both kids and adults.
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.