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Gluten-free Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers for Halloween dinner

Glutenfreie Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

A fun and festive Halloween dinner, these stuffed peppers look like jack-o'-lanterns and are filled with a savory taco-inspired mixture that's gluten-free and delicious.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Halloween
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 pieces orange bell peppers For the jack-o'-lantern look; red or yellow work too.
  • 1 pound ground turkey or ground beef Black beans can be used for a meatless option.
  • 1 medium onion Chopped.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning Ensure it's labeled gluten-free or make your own.
  • 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice To stretch the filling.
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or salsa To keep everything juicy.
  • 1 cup cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or dairy-free shred) For melting on top.
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree For added thickness and mild sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika For extra flavor.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Prepare the bell peppers by slicing off the tops and scooping out the seeds.
  • Carve faces into the peppers to create jack-o'-lantern designs, making sure not to cut too close to the edges.

Cooking

  • In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent.
  • Add the ground turkey or beef and cook until browned.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, cooked rice or cauliflower rice, tomato sauce or salsa, pumpkin puree, and smoked paprika. Cook until heated through.
  • Stuff the peppers with the taco filling mixture.
  • Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and cover with foil.
  • Bake for 25-35 minutes until the peppers are tender.
  • Remove the foil, top with cheese, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Notes

You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge for convenience. Customize the toppings by setting out bowls of shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, and extra cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g
Keyword family dinner, gluten-free, Halloween Recipe, stuffed peppers, Taco Stuffed Peppers
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