Description
These Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers are a festive and fun Halloween-inspired dish perfect for families. Large orange bell peppers are hollowed out and carved like jack-o-lanterns, then filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground turkey or beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and melted cheese. Baked until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, this recipe combines a colorful presentation with delicious, wholesome flavors that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers
- 4-5 large orange bell peppers, preferably with flat bottoms so they can stand upright
Filling
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 1 lb ground turkey or ground beef
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, rinsed and drained or 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite variety)
- 2 cups shredded cheese, divided (cheddar and pepper jack recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the peppers and filling.
- Prepare Bell Peppers: Wash the orange bell peppers thoroughly. Slice off the tops and hollow out the inside by removing all seeds and membranes, creating a cavity for the filling. Set aside.
- Brown the Meat: Heat 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of ground turkey or beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon taco seasoning during cooking for flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Salsa: Once the meat is cooked, reduce heat to medium-low and add rinsed black beans, corn, and 1 cup of salsa to the skillet. Stir to combine and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese to Filling: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and pepper jack) into the meat and vegetable mixture to combine and melt slightly.
- Carve Jack-o-lantern Faces: Use a small knife to carve fun jack-o-lantern faces into the hollowed-out bell peppers. This step can be a fun activity for kids who are old enough to safely use a knife.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the warm meat and cheese filling into each bell pepper cavity, filling them generously.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the stuffed peppers upright on a baking sheet lined with foil or wax paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake the Peppers: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and the filling to heat through.
- Add More Cheese: Remove the peppers from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of each pepper. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy these festive and tasty stuffed jack-o-lantern peppers as a delightful Halloween meal or appetizer.
Notes
- Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms to ensure they stand upright during baking.
- Ground turkey is a leaner option, but ground beef offers richer flavor; choose based on preference.
- Use your favorite salsa for a customized flavor profile; mild, medium, or spicy varieties work well.
- Carving faces is optional but adds a fun and festive touch, perfect for Halloween gatherings.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Leftover filling can be refrigerated and used as taco filling or a dip.
- Make sure peppers are not overstuffed to prevent spilling during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
