Spooky Pumpkin Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Delight in the festive flavors of Spooky Pumpkin Stuffed Peppers, a colorful and nutritious dish perfect for Halloween or any fall gathering. Bell peppers are hollowed and filled with a savory mixture of pumpkin puree, rice or quinoa, black beans, and spices, then topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro for a vibrant and tasty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 stuffed peppers 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 medium bell peppers (orange, yellow, or green)
Filling
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking throughout the baking process.
- Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. For a festive touch, carve spooky faces on the sides if desired.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cooked rice or quinoa, black beans, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each bell pepper with the pumpkin mixture, pressing down slightly to pack the filling securely inside.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper to create a rich, melty topping.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the cheese and exposed pepper surfaces to enhance flavor and promote browning during baking.
- Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, ensuring they stand firmly to prevent tipping over.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish: Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top of the stuffed peppers to add color and fresh flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Allow the stuffed peppers to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors fully develop and avoid burning the mouth.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked quinoa for rice to make the dish gluten-free and add more protein.
- For a vegan option, replace shredded cheese with vegan cheese or omit it entirely.
- Carving faces on the peppers is optional but adds a fun festive touch perfect for Halloween gatherings.
- Leftover stuffing can be used as a flavorful side dish or mixed into soups.
- To prep ahead, stuff the peppers and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
Keywords: pumpkin stuffed peppers, Halloween recipe, vegetarian stuffed peppers, baked stuffed peppers, pumpkin recipe, fall recipes
Find it online: https://islawhite.com/spooky-pumpkin-stuffed-peppers-recipe/
