Description
A fun and festive recipe for stuffed bell peppers carved with spooky faces, perfect for Halloween or any themed party. These peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices, then topped with melted cheddar cheese for a delicious and eye-catching meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 large bell peppers (orange, red, or yellow)
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 small onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Black olives (optional, for garnish)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove all seeds and membranes inside. If desired, carve spooky eyes and mouths into the sides of the peppers to create creepy faces.
- Sauté Aromatics and Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook thoroughly until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Mix Filling: Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors meld, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice filling into each hollowed-out bell pepper, packing them generously. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of each stuffed pepper. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese has melted and is slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and garnish with sliced black olives to enhance the spooky appearance and add extra flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use any color bell peppers, but orange, red, or yellow provide a festive look.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
- If carving faces, use a small paring knife for better control and safety.
- Leftover filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Adding a bit of shredded cheese inside the filling can enhance richness.
