Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Carved orange peppers stuffed with a savory blend of rice, black beans, salsa, and cheese—super festive, healthy, and family friendly for Halloween night!
Ingredients
- 4 orange bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional:
- corn, jalapeño, ground turkey or beef
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds.
- Use a small knife to carefully carve jack-o'-lantern faces into each pepper.
- In a bowl, mix rice, black beans, salsa, half of the cheese, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon filling into each pepper. Place in a baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Serve hot—enjoy the spooky reveal!
Notes
Clever Tip:
Carve the peppers ahead for a Halloween party and let guests fill their own "jack-o'-lanterns!"
- Carve slowly and carefully for best effect
- Use coloring or paint on stems for extra pumpkin look
- Make vegetarian or add your favorite ground meat
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Roast peppers for a few minutes before filling if you prefer softer texture
- Add rice last so mixture doesn't get watery
- Let cool a bit before serving so peppers hold their shape