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Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Pepper Bake

A fun and festive stuffed pepper dish featuring jack-o-lantern faces, filled with ground turkey, brown rice, and topped with melted cheese, perfect for Halloween dinners.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 large large orange bell peppers For carving jack-o-lantern faces
  • 1 lb ground turkey Lean ground turkey for a healthier option
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice Can substitute with quinoa or cauliflower rice
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes Drained before mixing into the filling
  • 1/2 cup diced onion Adds flavor and sweetness
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the savory flavor
  • 1 tsp ground cumin For warm, earthy flavor
  • 1/2 tsp salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper Freshly ground for best flavor
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese Melted over top for creaminess

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut the tops off the four large orange bell peppers and remove all the seeds and membranes inside. Using a small paring knife, carve simple jack-o-lantern faces on the front of each pepper.
  2. Place the carved peppers upright in a baking dish.
Cooking the Filling
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey along with the diced onion for about 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cumin, salt, and black pepper, then let this mixture simmer for 3 minutes.
  3. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the cooked brown rice and 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Stuffing and Baking
  1. Gently spoon the filling into each carved pepper, packing the mixture lightly until full. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top of each pepper. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the peppers are tender.
Serving
  1. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Notes

Best served with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and can also be frozen for up to 2 months.