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Spooky Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Beef

Spooky stuffed peppers with rice and beef are a delightful Halloween-inspired dish that combines vibrant bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and aromatic spices. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, these colorful cauldrons not only look appealing but also deliver hearty flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more. Easy to prepare and customize, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juices), salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and Italian herbs until well combined.
  5. Stuff each pepper generously with the filling and place them upright in a baking dish.
  6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based proteins like lentils for a vegetarian option. Enhance the filling by adding black beans or corn for extra texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.