Print

Easy Kid-Approved Jack-o-Lantern Stuffed Peppers for Dinner

jack-o-lantern stuffed peppers - featured image
Print Recipe

Fun, budget-friendly stuffed peppers carved to look like jack-o-lanterns, filled with a savory turkey and rice mixture, and topped with melted cheese. A playful weeknight dinner that kids love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey (or ground beef, chicken, or plant-based crumbles)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced zucchini or mushrooms (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash and dry the bell peppers. Cut the top off each pepper about 1/2 inch down from the stem. Set tops aside. Scoop out seeds and membranes. Rinse inside briefly.
  3. Using a sharp paring knife, carve small triangles for eyes, nose, and a jagged mouth on the front of each pepper. Keep cuts small.
  4. Optional: Blanch the hollowed peppers in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften. Drain upside down on paper towels.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  6. Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  7. Stir in crushed tomatoes, cooked rice, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add optional veggies if using. Cook 2-3 minutes.
  8. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella until melted. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  9. Place carved peppers upright in a baking dish. Spoon filling into each pepper, packing gently but not too tightly. Top with remaining shredded mozzarella.
  10. Pour about 1/4 cup water into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally broil 1-2 minutes for golden cheese.
  11. Let peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

Choose squat, round orange peppers for best pumpkin look. Don’t overstuff peppers; leave a little room at the top. For softer peppers, blanch before stuffing. Leftovers taste even better the next day. Freeze unbaked peppers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed peppers, jack-o-lantern, kid-friendly, Halloween dinner, ground turkey, bell peppers, easy dinner, budget-friendly

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-kid-approved-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-peppers-for-dinner/