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Fun Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers

Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers - featured image
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A festive and easy Halloween dinner featuring orange bell peppers carved into jack-o-lanterns and stuffed with a savory mixture of ground turkey, rice, cheese, and spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 cup white rice (long-grain)
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mild or medium salsa
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp oil (for skillet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook white rice according to package instructions and let it cool slightly.
  3. Wash peppers, slice off the tops about an inch down, and remove stems, seeds, and membranes. Place upright in a baking dish.
  4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 3 minutes until soft.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add ground turkey and cook until no pink remains (5-7 minutes). Drain excess liquid if necessary.
  7. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  8. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese.
  9. Fold in salsa. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  10. Stuff the mixture into the hollowed peppers, packing gently but not overstuffing.
  11. Top with remaining cheese and place pepper tops back on like lids.
  12. Cover baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  13. Bake covered for 25 minutes.
  14. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
  15. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If peppers are thick-walled, microwave them for 2 minutes before stuffing to ensure even cooking. For a vegetarian option, swap turkey for black beans or lentils. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative. The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check salsa and spice labels.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween dinner, stuffed peppers, jack-o-lantern recipe, ground turkey, family friendly, easy weeknight meal, festive food

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/fun-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-bell-peppers-5-easy-halloween-dinners/