Stuffed Bell Peppers Creepy Faces

Stuffed bell peppers with creepy faces have become my favorite way to bring some Halloween mischief to adult gatherings The filling is hearty with savory ground beef tender rice and tomatoes all nestled in sweet bell peppers that look like edible jack o lanterns Everyone will want to carve one themselves then devour it

My sister and I started making these one October and now it is our must have tradition We laugh as we carve faces sometimes turning them out a little more silly than spooky

Ingredients

• Large bell peppers: Choose bright orange red or yellow ones for their sweetness and smooth skins easier to carve faces and hold shape
• Ground beef: Opt for an 80 percent lean mix for flavor and juiciness
• Cooked rice: White or brown works just be sure it is cooled so it mixes evenly
• Small onion: Chopped fine to blend in and sweeten the filling
• Garlic: Freshly minced for pungency and depth
• Canned diced tomatoes: Pick a good brand for rich flavor and remember to drain so the mixture does not get soggy
• Cumin: Adds earthy warmth look for whole seeds and toast before grinding for extra taste
• Paprika: Use regular or smoked for a subtle heat and color Spanish paprika gives more complexity
• Salt and ground black pepper: Always taste as you go I prefer cracking peppercorns fresh
• Black olives: Optional but fun for extra ghoulish decoration use firm glossy olives
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Mild or sharp both melt beautifully and add that golden bubbly topping use a block and shred-yourself for best quality

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Peppers:

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and pull out seeds and white inner membranes These bits make peppers bitter so scoop them well Use a small sharp knife to carefully carve spooky faces right through the skin

Prep the Filling:

Warm a skillet over medium heat Brown the ground beef with finely chopped onions and garlic Stir and break up the meat completely until it is cooked through and onions are tender This step creates a deeply savory base and softens aromatics for flavor

Mix Filling Ingredients:

Add your cooked rice drained diced tomatoes cumin paprika and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the skillet Stir until the mix is steaming hot and fragrant Try a spoonful for seasoning then set aside to cool a bit

Stuff the Peppers:

Fill each hollowed pepper with as much of the beef and rice mixture as you can pack in Press down gently so the filling stays together Stand them in a good size baking dish so they do not tip over

Bake Covered:

Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven at three hundred seventy five degrees for thirty minutes This helps the peppers steam and soften without drying out

Finish and Melt Cheese:

Uncover the dish Scatter plenty of shredded cheddar on top of each pepper Return to the oven for ten minutes until the cheese bubbles and drips down the faces

Decorate and Serve:

Add chopped olives if you wish and put the pepper tops back on for a little pumpkin illusion Serve hot sometimes I wrap them in a cloth napkin so they stay upright

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Cheddar cheese is always the star for me It goes gorgeously bubbly and slightly crispy on the creepy faces The first time my nephew saw the bubbling faces his eyes got huge then he laughed so hard and begged for seconds

Storage Tips

Leftovers stay good in an airtight container for up to three days Reheat peppers in the oven gently covered with foil so the tops do not dry out or try microwaving with a splash of water to keep them moist

Ingredient Swaps

Try ground turkey or textured vegetable protein for a lighter version Different grains such as quinoa or barley work well too Monterey jack or pepper jack cheese brings a new flavor to the melted topping

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Serving Suggestions

Serve over a bed of sautéed greens or alongside a crisp salad If making for a party pair these with spooky themed cocktails or simple roasted potatoes

Halloween Origins

Stuffed peppers are classic comfort food across many regions but the creepy faces nod to the tradition of carving jack o lanterns on Halloween It is a playful way to bridge cultures and create a feast that feels a little magical yet rooted in tradition

Commonly Asked Questions

→ How do I carve the faces on the peppers?

Use a small sharp knife to carefully cut out eyes, nose, and mouth shapes after removing the seeds and membranes. Take your time to avoid breaking the pepper walls.

→ What kind of peppers work best for this dish?

Orange, red, or yellow bell peppers are ideal due to their color and sturdy skin, making them easy to carve and perfect for a Halloween look.

→ Can I use a different filling?

Yes, feel free to swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian blend like lentils and mushrooms to suit your preferences.

→ How can I make the peppers look more like pumpkins?

After baking, place the bell pepper tops back on, and use black olive pieces as 'eyes' to enhance their pumpkin-like appearance.

→ Is it possible to prepare these in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble and fill the peppers a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for the best flavor and presentation.