If you’re looking to add some festive fun to your dinner table this season, nothing beats the charm and comfort of the Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe. These vibrant orange bell peppers carved into adorable jack-o’-lantern faces and filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce not only look fantastic but taste incredible too. Each bite brings together a perfect blend of hearty, tangy, and aromatic flavors that make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started on this fun and hearty recipe, gather some simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings something special, from the juiciness of the orange bell peppers to the rich savoriness of the seasoned beef and creamy rice filling.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty foundation for the filling that’s packed with flavor.
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice: Adds a soft, tender texture that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 cup water: Essential for cooking the rice just right.
- 2 cans tomato sauce (8 oz each): Lends a tangy, comforting base that soaks into the filling and peppers beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and adds depth to the savory mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds aromatic warmth without overpowering the blend.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall savory profile subtly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances and brightens the flavors perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the sauce with herbs like oregano and basil for a fresh, fragrant touch.
- 6 orange bell peppers (or any color you prefer): The star of the show, ready to be transformed into charming jack-o’-lanterns.
How to Make Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Rice
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and ready for baking. While the oven warms up, bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a saucepan, add the 1/2 cup of uncooked rice, then lower the heat and cover it. Let the rice cook gently until all the water is absorbed and the grains are tender, about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next, grab a skillet and cook your ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned evenly. Make sure to drain any excess grease afterward to keep the filling rich but not greasy. This step is crucial because it builds the savory base that ties the entire filling together.
Step 3: Carve the Peppers
Now comes the fun part: take your orange bell peppers, wash them well, and carefully cut charming jack-o’-lantern faces using a sharp paring knife. Slice off the tops and carefully remove the seeds and cores, creating the perfect little vessels for your filling.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned beef, one can of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well so all the flavors are beautifully melded together. Then, stuff each carved pepper generously with this hearty mixture.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce and Bake
In a small bowl, mix the remaining can of tomato sauce with Italian seasoning for a flavorful drizzle. Place your stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, pour this seasoned tomato sauce over them, and pop it all into the oven. Bake for one hour, basting the peppers with the sauce every 15 minutes to keep them moist and full of flavor. The peppers should be tender and slightly browned when done.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove your festive stuffed peppers from the oven, let them cool just a bit, then serve them hot. Each pepper is like a pumpkin-shaped bundle of savory, comforting goodness, perfect for any fall gathering or Halloween feast.
How to Serve Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
To add even more visual charm and flavor, consider garnishing your plated Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. A little dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add a lovely contrast in taste and make each serving even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light, crisp side dishes that balance its richness. Think along the lines of a fresh green salad tossed with vinaigrette, toasted garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce, or even roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots for a colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a true festive touch, place each stuffed pepper on a bed of cooked quinoa or mashed potatoes to create a cozy presentation. You can also line a large platter with autumn leaves or mini pumpkins around the peppers for a playful, seasonal display that will wow your guests before they even take a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and the flavors will deepen, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Just wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a fantastic prepared meal option whenever you need.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the stuffed peppers overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can cover them loosely with foil to retain moisture and avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option and works well with the spices and rice in this recipe. Just keep an eye on it while browning to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
What if I don’t like rice? Can I use something else?
Certainly! You can substitute rice with quinoa, couscous, or even cooked lentils for a different texture and nutritional profile, while still maintaining the heartiness of the filling.
How do I prevent the peppers from falling over when baking?
To keep the stuffed peppers stable, trim a tiny bit off the bottoms so they sit flat, or bake them snugly against each other in the baking dish for extra support.
Is it okay to use other colored bell peppers?
Of course! While orange peppers create that classic Jack-O’-Lantern look, red, yellow, or green bell peppers work just as well and bring their own unique sweetness to the dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can stuff the peppers a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Baking right before serving ensures the peppers stay fresh and tender with that perfect warm filling.
Final Thoughts
This Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe is more than just a festive decoration—it’s a warm, satisfying meal that brings joy and comfort to any table. Give it a try this season and watch as your family and friends fall in love with the delightful flavors and charming presentation. Cooking this recipe is truly a wonderful way to celebrate good food and great company.
Print
Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Celebrate Halloween with these festive Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers. Bright orange bell peppers are carved with spooky faces and filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, seasoned rice, and tomato sauce. Baked until tender and flavorful, these stuffed peppers make a fun and hearty meal perfect for a seasonal dinner.
Ingredients
Stuffed Peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 cup water
- 2 cans tomato sauce (8 oz each), divided
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 6 orange bell peppers (or any color you prefer)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Cook Rice: In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of uncooked long grain rice to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook 1 lb of ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess grease to keep the filling lean.
- Prepare the Peppers: Wash the 6 bell peppers thoroughly. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into each pepper. Then slice off the tops and remove the seeds and cores to create space for the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the browned beef, cooked rice, 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Spoon an equal amount of this filling into each hollowed-out pepper.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the remaining can of tomato sauce with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to create a flavorful sauce to pour over the peppers.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Pour the seasoned tomato sauce evenly over the peppers. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, basting the peppers with the sauce every 15 minutes to keep them moist and infuse flavor, until the peppers are tender.
- Serve: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven once tender and slightly browned. Serve hot and enjoy your festive Halloween meal!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer softer peppers, you can pre-roast them for 10 minutes before stuffing.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
- Be careful when carving the peppers; use a small, sharp knife and work slowly to create detailed faces.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
