Nothing says Halloween more than a spooky pumpkin, which makes this recipe for jack o’ lantern stuffed peppers the perfect dish to serve for a fun fall get together or to trick or’ treaters before heading out to collect their treats!
Ingredients
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, chopped
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1-pound lean ground beef
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
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2 clove garlic, minced
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6 large bell peppers
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2½ cups tomato sauce, divided
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2 cups cooked rice
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Using a paring knife, cut the tops off the peppers at an angle to make sure tops will fit securely back on the pepper. Cut out the seeds and flesh from the inside of each pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, and then add the onion and cook, until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the beef, salt, pepper and garlic, stirring occasionally until beef is cooked through. Drain the fat and discard. Stir in the cooked rice and 2 cups of the tomato sauce.
- Stuff peppers with the beef mixture and place in a 9”x13” baking dish. Bake 30 minutes. To test if peppers are ready: Stick with toothpick near the top of the pepper—it should easily puncture the skin.
- After baking, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce on each pepper, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Bake for 5 minutes longer, until cheese is melted.