Jackolantern Stuffed Bell Peppers
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Looking for some easy Halloween foods that aren't just mountains of sugar? Honestly , these Jack-O'-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers are the bees knees! Savoury, a bit sweet, and super fun to make.
Brief Overview
Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food, and this Halloween twist adds a bit of spooky fun! This recipe is easy, takes about an hour, and makes 4 servings.
It's Halloween party food ideas easy to adapt for a crowd, too.
Main Benefits
These peppers are packed with fibre and vitamins, making them a relatively healthy Halloween dinner recipes . They're perfect for a family Halloween dinner or a spooky potluck.
What makes them special? Well, who can resist a smiling jack-o'-lantern filled with deliciousness?
Okay, right then! Let's get cracking on this Halloween recipe. The key to this recipe is really about presentation. I think of this as a stuffed pepper recipe Halloween that is fun for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients, let's go!
You'll need some bell peppers, of course orange, yellow, or red for that classic jack-o'-lantern look! Then, we are using olive oil, an onion, garlic, canned tomatoes, black beans, cooked rice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cheddar cheese, salt and pepper.
Simple, right?
This is truly a super quick halloween meal. Honestly , I remember one year I was so busy I only had like 30 minutes to prep, and I was able to pull this one off, easy peasy.
Getting Started
Halloween recipes for kids really have to be fun to make. Let's preheat the oven to 375° F ( 190° C).
Now let's slice the tops off those bell peppers, carve out those faces like little pumpkins!
Ingredients & Equipment for Jack-O'-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers
Okay, right then! Let's get cracking on this Halloween recipe. This is where we turn bell peppers into spooky, edible masterpieces, perfect for your Halloween dinner or even Halloween party food ideas easy!
Main Ingredients The Spooky Line-Up
- 4 large bell peppers (orange, yellow, or red, about 800g total that's roughly 1.75 lbs ). Pick ones that stand up well and are brightly colored!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml )
- 1 small onion , finely chopped (about 150g or 1/2 cup )
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Honestly, I sometimes add a bit more garlic's never a bad thing, is it?
- 1 can (14.5 ounce/411g) diced tomatoes, undrained.
- 1 can (15 ounce/425g) black beans, rinsed and drained. Rinsing is key, gets rid of that metallic taste, you know?
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, about 185g or ¾ cup uncooked). Day-old rice is actually great here.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika. This is my secret weapon, adds a fantastic smoky depth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack, about 57g ).
Quality indicators? For the peppers, go for firm and shiny. If it sounds hollow when you slap it, it's good! And with the rice, avoid that pre-cooked microwaveable stuff, just tastes like sadness, innit?
Seasoning Notes - Time to Spice Things Up!
For our essential spice combo, the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are where it's at. They bring the warmth and a touch of mystery.
I sometimes throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper if I'm feeling brave.
Looking for flavor enhancers? A bay leaf simmered in the tomato sauce can be subtle but amazing. Also, a splash of Worcestershire sauce can bring some umami into the easy halloween foods .
Need a sub? If you haven't got chili powder, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne will do the trick.
Also if you are looking for vegetarian Halloween stuffed peppers, just ditch the meat and add more veggies!
Equipment Needed Keep it Simple!
- Large skillet or sauté pan.
- Baking dish (9x13 inch).
- Sharp knife for carving.
- Cutting board.
- Mixing bowl.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Honestly, most of us already have this kit, right? If you don't have a baking dish, an oven safe casserole dish will work just fine.
And for measuring, remember that this stuffed pepper recipe Halloween is all about fun don't sweat it if things aren't exact! It is actually easy Halloween foods ! Don't forget the essentials to prepare healthy Halloween dinner recipes are all in the list above.
Jack-O'-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers: Spooktacularly Simple!
Okay, right then! Let's get cracking on this Halloween treat. Fancy something fun and festive for your easy Halloween dinner ? Forget the boring bangers and mash.
These Jack-O'-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers are just the ticket. They're based on classic stuffed peppers, but with a spooky twist.
Imagine carving little faces into vibrant peppers and filling them with tasty goodness. Way better than another night of sweets, yeah?
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organised
- Essential Mise en Place: First things first, chop one small onion, mince two cloves of garlic, and rinse one can of black beans. You need 185g of cooked rice and 4 large bell peppers too. Oh my gosh, its the season for pumpkin spice lattes too! It smells amazing. This little tip saves a bunch of time later.
- Time Saving Organisation Tips: Pre-cook your rice the day before. Honestly, it's a lifesaver. Chop all your veggies at once.
- Safety Reminders: Carving peppers needs care. Use a sharp knife. Go slow to avoid slips.
step-by-step Process: From Prep to Perfect
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Now, chop those bell peppers in half, remove the seeds, and get carving that spooky face!
- Heat 15 ml of olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté your chopped onion until soft, about 5 minutes . Then, add your minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add 411g of diced tomatoes, 425g of black beans, 185g cooked rice, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ¼ tsp smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Give it a good stir.
- Stand your carved peppers in a baking dish. Spoon in the filling. You know? Pack it lightly.
- Pour about ½ inch of water into the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes . Remove the foil, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 10 more minutes , until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
Pro Tips: Chef's Secrets
- Pro Tip 1: Don't overcook the rice! Mushy filling? No, thank you.
- Pro Tip 2: Prevent soggy bottoms by pouring water at the bottom of the baking dish. A common mistake is to pour it into the bell peppers. That causes them to steam, not roast.
- Make it ahead: Prepare your filling the day before. This recipe can easily be Halloween recipes for kids to get involved.
These easy Halloween foods will be a hit. These Halloween stuffed peppers are both tasty and pretty quick Halloween dinner for the whole family.
Think how Instagrammable these little guys are! Forget shop bought sweets, eh? Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Jack-O'-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers
Okay, right then! Let's get cracking on the juicy details of our recipe for easy Halloween foods ! Because, honestly, these Jack o lantern stuffed peppers are more than just a dinner.
They're an experience! These are some spooky Halloween foods to be remembered.
Serving these little monsters!
Picture this: a table set with spooky decorations, and these Halloween stuffed peppers sitting pretty on each plate. To make it extra special, arrange a few roasted veggies like butternut squash or Brussels sprouts around the pepper.
They pair incredibly well with the pepper's filling. I would also like to give you a few Halloween party food ideas easy .
For drinks, think apple cider or even a spiced pumpkin latte if you are feeling fancy.
Storage Secrets
Honestly, leftovers never tasted so good! Pop any leftover peppers into an airtight container. They'll keep happily in the fridge for up to three days.
Fancy making them ahead? You can also freeze them. Wrap them individually in cling film, then foil, before putting them in the freezer.
Just let them thaw fully before reheating. To reheat, a low oven around 300° F ( 150° C) is perfect.
This can take up to 20 minutes. This ensures that the peppers heat through without becoming mushy.
Playing with Flavors
Fancy a change? I love adding different spices to my filling. Try a pinch of cinnamon or even allspice for a warming, autumnal vibe.
You can adapt this recipe to suit most diets. Make it vegan by swapping the meat for lentils and using vegan cheese.
You can even use quinoa instead of rice for an extra nutty flavour. Seasonal ingredient swaps are always a winner!
Nutritional Goodness
These stuffed peppers are surprisingly good for you! We will make some healthy Halloween dinner recipes . They're packed with fiber from the beans and peppers, plus plenty of vitamins.
They have protein and carbohydrate for energy. Each serving has around 350 calories, 18g of protein, and a whopping 12g of fiber! They will definitely leave you feeling full and satisfied.
There you have it! Whether you are preparing easy Halloween dinner or quick Halloween meals , This recipe is your ticket to Halloween recipes for kids .
This recipe hits the spot, so why not give these vegetarian Halloween stuffed peppers a go? It is super simple.
And it's also super tasty. Happy Halloween cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these easy halloween foods ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just cover them tightly with cling film and store them in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're heated through.
Think of it as your "Blue Peter" moment get prepped early!
What's the best way to store leftover Jack-O'-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers? Will they keep for long?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven, microwave, or even a skillet until warmed through. They taste just as good the next day, making them a perfect Doctor Who-esque time travel snack!
Help! My peppers are coming out a bit soggy. Any tips for preventing this with these easy halloween foods?
Soggy peppers are no fun! Be sure to pat the inside of the peppers dry with paper towels after washing and carving. Also, don't overfill them, and make sure the baking dish has just a shallow layer of water at the bottom, not enough to actually submerge the peppers.
A little water prevents sticking and steaming, but too much leads to mush.
Can I freeze these stuffed peppers? I'm trying to meal prep like a ninja warrior.
Freezing is possible, but the texture of the peppers might change slightly. To freeze, let the baked peppers cool completely, then wrap each one individually in cling film before placing them in a freezer safe bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Alternatively, you can freeze the filling separately and stuff fresh peppers when you're ready to bake.
I'm trying to eat healthier this Halloween. Any suggestions for making these stuffed peppers more nutritious?
Definitely! Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or opt for a plant based protein source like lentils or quinoa. Choose brown rice over white rice for added fiber. Load up on the veggies by adding chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the filling.
You can also use a low-fat cheese or skip the cheese altogether and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
My kids are super picky eaters any tips for getting them to actually eat these easy halloween foods?
Ah, the age-old battle! Try dicing the filling ingredients extra small, so there are no large chunks to complain about. Let them help with the carving process (under supervision, of course!) to get them invested.
You can also offer a side of their favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup or ranch, to make it more appealing. And remember, presentation is key! A spooky face might just be the trick to winning them over.
Jackolantern Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 12g |
