Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Introduction:

These Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a festive and fun Halloween dish that combines a savory ground beef and rice filling with the vibrant, spooky appearance of carved orange bell peppers. Perfect for a spooky dinner or Halloween party, these peppers are both visually striking and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 1 cup water
• 2 cans tomato sauce (8 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Peppers:

• 6 orange bell peppers (or any color you prefer)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Rice: Place the rice and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
3. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is evenly browned. Drain any excess grease.
4. Prepare the Peppers:
   • Wash the bell peppers thoroughly.
   • Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut jack-o’-lantern faces into the peppers.
   • Slice off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds and cores.
5. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the browned beef, cooked rice, 1 can of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spoon an equal amount of the mixture into each hollowed pepper.
6. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the remaining can of tomato sauce with the Italian seasoning.
7. Assemble and Bake:
   • Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
   • Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the top of the stuffed peppers.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, basting the peppers with the sauce every 15 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
8. Serve: Once the peppers are tender and slightly browned, remove them from the oven. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 6 peppers

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of black beans, corn, and chopped vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Cheesy Twist: Add shredded cheese on top of the peppers during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the filling for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use other colors of bell peppers? Yes, you can use any color bell peppers, though orange adds to the Halloween theme.
2. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers a day ahead and bake them just before serving.
3. What can I use instead of ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian substitute can be used instead of ground beef.
4. How can I make the peppers more flavorful? Adding extra herbs and spices to the filling, or including some shredded cheese, can enhance the flavor.
5. Can I freeze these stuffed peppers? Yes, you can freeze the peppers before baking. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and bake as directed.
6. What kind of rice should I use? Long grain white rice is recommended, but you can use other types of rice if desired.
7. Can I use pre-cooked rice? Yes, pre-cooked rice can be used, but reduce the cooking time of the rice in the recipe.
8. How do I avoid the peppers from being too crunchy? Ensure the peppers are baked until tender. If they are still crunchy, bake a bit longer, checking every 10 minutes.
9. Can I add other vegetables to the filling? Yes, diced onions, mushrooms, and corn can be added to the filling for more variety.
10. How do I make the peppers easier to carve? Blanch the peppers in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them slightly before carving.

Conclusion

Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a delightful and festive way to celebrate Halloween with a spooky twist on a classic dish. Their vibrant appearance and savory filling make them a perfect centerpiece for any Halloween feast. With a few simple ingredients and some creative carving, you can bring a fun and delicious touch to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy this deliciously sinister treat with friends and family!

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