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Easy Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey: Best Halloween Dinner

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These fun and festive stuffed bell peppers are carved to look like jack-o-lanterns, filled with a savory ground turkey and rice mixture, and baked until tender. A kid-approved Halloween dinner that’s both healthy and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93/7 lean)
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce (for the bottom of the baking dish)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the peppers: Wash and dry them. Cut the top off each pepper about 1/2 inch from the stem. Scoop out seeds and membranes. Rinse and pat dry.
  3. Carve the faces: Using a paring knife, cut small triangles for eyes and a jagged grin for the mouth. Place carved peppers in a baking dish, trimming bottoms if needed to sit flat.
  4. Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add ground turkey and cook 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Season the meat: Stir in oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
  6. Combine the filling: Transfer turkey mixture to a large bowl. Add cooked rice, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Stuff the peppers: Spoon filling into each pepper, packing gently but firmly, leaving about 1/4 inch at the top.
  8. Add base sauce: Pour remaining 1/4 cup tomato sauce into the bottom of the baking dish around the peppers. Sprinkle extra 1/4 cup cheese over the tops.
  9. Bake covered: Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  10. Bake uncovered: Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. Rest before serving: Let peppers rest in the dish for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to plates using a spatula.

Notes

Choose squat, round orange bell peppers with flat bottoms for best carving and stability. Don’t skip the foil during baking to keep peppers tender. Let peppers rest 5 minutes before serving for easier handling. For extra moisture with lean turkey, add a splash of olive oil or extra tomato sauce.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cookdella.com/easy-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-bell-peppers-with-ground-turkey-best-halloween-dinner/