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Cozy Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers

jack-o-lantern stuffed bell peppers - featured image
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A fun and festive fall recipe featuring carved orange bell peppers stuffed with a warm, savory filling of rice, veggies, and cheese. Perfect for family dinners and Halloween celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice (about 185g)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or sweet)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
  • 1/2 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped, for garnish – optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the tops off each orange bell pepper to create a lid. Carve Jack-O-Lantern faces on the front side of each pepper. Remove seeds and membranes, keeping stems attached to the lids.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
  4. Add diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes to warm through.
  5. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  6. Add cooked rice to the skillet and mix thoroughly. Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Carefully spoon the filling into each carved bell pepper without overfilling. Place the tops back on the peppers.
  8. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish or on a rimmed sheet pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Carve peppers shortly before baking to prevent wilting. Use a sharp knife for easier carving. Broil for last 2 minutes for crispier skin but watch carefully to avoid burning. Tent with foil if peppers brown too fast. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze well without carved tops.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, jack-o-lantern peppers, fall recipe, Halloween dinner, family meal, cozy dinner, vegetarian, easy recipe

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/cozy-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-bell-peppers-easy-fall-recipe-for-families/