Phantom Pepper Pals

These Phantom Pepper Pals are the perfect savory addition to any Halloween spread! These Spooky Stuffed Peppers are carved to look like mini jack-o’-lanterns, stuffed with a delicious mixture of ground meat, rice, vegetables, and spices, and baked to perfection. They’re fun, festive, and the ultimate comfort food—plus, they make a great centerpiece for any Halloween gathering. You can use orange bell peppers for a classic pumpkin look, but any color will do to create your own spooky pepper family. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or having a themed family dinner, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 6 orange bell peppers (or a mix of colors)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the bell peppers: Cut the tops off of the bell peppers and set them aside. Remove the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers. Using a small knife, carve spooky jack-o’-lantern faces into the front of each bell pepper to create a Halloween look.
3. Cook the filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add the meat and spices: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin.
5. Add tomatoes and rice: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the cooked rice. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and well combined.
6. Stuff the peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each prepared bell pepper, pressing down gently to fill them completely. Place the peppers in the prepared baking dish.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the tops of the peppers with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Place the carved tops back on the peppers for presentation and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving size: 1 stuffed pepper
• Calories: Approximately 320 calories
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Sugar: 6g

(Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on the type of ground meat and cheese used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve

• Arrange the Phantom Pepper Pals on a platter, placing the carved tops slightly askew for a playful effect.
• Serve alongside a side of sour cream or guacamole for dipping.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or cornbread for a complete meal.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for added color and flavor.
• Add a spooky Halloween drink like green “witches’ brew” punch for a festive touch.

Additional Tips

1. Carving the peppers: Use a small, sharp knife to carefully carve the jack-o’-lantern faces on the peppers. Take your time to make each one unique!
2. Cook the rice ahead: To save time, use leftover rice or cook the rice the day before. You can also use microwaveable rice for convenience.
3. Lean meat options: For a healthier version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
4. Vegetarian version: Replace the ground meat with black beans, corn, and diced zucchini for a tasty vegetarian alternative.
5. Cheese topping: Add a slice of pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat, or use mozzarella for a gooey, melty effect.

Recipe Variations

• Mexican-Style Peppers: Add black beans, corn, and taco seasoning to the filling for a Mexican twist. Top with salsa and avocado.
• Italian-Style Peppers: Use Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired stuffed pepper.
• Spicy Stuffed Peppers: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for extra heat.
• Cheesy Potato Filling: Replace the rice with mashed potatoes for a creamy, cheesy filling—perfect for a twist on classic shepherd’s pie.
• Mini Pepper Pals: Use mini bell peppers for bite-sized “pepper pals” that are perfect for a Halloween party appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread to mop up any juices from the peppers.
• Pair with baked sweet potato fries for a sweet and savory combo.
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top for creaminess.
• Serve with a side of quinoa salad for a light and fresh contrast.
• Enjoy alongside a Halloween-themed charcuterie board for a complete spooky spread.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking for up to 3 months. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Reheating: Reheat the peppers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet for cooking the filling.
• Baking dish large enough to fit all the peppers snugly.
• Small sharp knife for carving the spooky faces on the peppers.
• Foil for covering the peppers while baking.

FAQ

1. Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the peppers and filling, stuff them, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
2. What other grains can I use instead of rice? You can use quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice if you prefer a low-carb option.
3. Can I make these vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! Use beans or lentils instead of ground meat and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute to make them vegan.
4. How do I prevent the peppers from tipping over while baking? Make sure the bottoms of the peppers are flat. You can also place them close together in the baking dish so they support each other, or trim a small amount off the bottom to create a stable base.
5. Can I use different colored bell peppers? Yes! Red, yellow, and green bell peppers work well too, and they create a colorful and festive presentation for your “Phantom Pepper Pals.”