Print

Healthy Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers: Easy Halloween Dinner

healthy jack-o-lantern stuffed bell peppers - featured image
Print Recipe

These Healthy Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers are a fun, festive, and nutritious Halloween dinner. Filled with a smoky turkey, quinoa, and black bean mixture, they’re easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7 works great; you can also use ground chicken or lean beef)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooked in low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn kernels, drained
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce (no added sugar if possible)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 4 large bell peppers (orange or red for Halloween)
  • 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (or dairy-free alternative, optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Wash and dry the bell peppers. Slice off the top (about 1/2 inch from the stem) and set aside. Remove seeds and membranes carefully.
  3. Using a sharp paring knife, carve simple jack-o-lantern faces (triangles for eyes, jagged mouth) on one side of each pepper.
  4. Blanch the carved peppers in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Remove with tongs and drain upside down on paper towels.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess liquid.
  7. Reduce heat to medium. Add cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Place blanched peppers upright in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Stuff each pepper with the filling, packing gently but firmly. Mound slightly on top.
  9. If using cheese, sprinkle over the tops. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, if desired.

Notes

Don’t over-blanch the peppers (2-3 minutes max) to prevent them from collapsing. Toast the spices after draining the turkey for deeper flavor. Make extra filling for leftovers or variations. Let peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the filling.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, Halloween dinner, healthy dinner, jack-o-lantern peppers, turkey quinoa stuffed peppers, easy Halloween recipe

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/healthy-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-bell-peppers-easy-halloween-dinner/