Cheeseburger Jack-O-Lantern Peppers
Looking for a fun and delicious Halloween-themed dinner idea? These Cheeseburger Jack-O-Lantern Peppers are not only adorable but also packed with all the classic cheeseburger flavors you love!
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With a tasty combination of ground beef, orzo, and melted cheddar cheese, all stuffed into bell peppers carved like mini Jack-O-Lanterns, this meal is a spooky twist on a family favorite. Plus, they’re perfect for a festive dinner that’s easy to make and sure to impress!
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Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Jack-O-Lantern Peppers
- Festive Fun: These peppers make for an exciting presentation at any Halloween gathering.
- Cheeseburger Flavor: All the best cheeseburger flavors—ground beef, mustard, ketchup, and cheddar cheese—are packed into every bite.
- Easy to Customize: Add your favorite cheeseburger toppings or use different types of cheese to switch things up.
- Kid-Friendly: The cute Jack-O-Lantern design makes this dish a hit with kids.
What You Need To Make Cheeseburger Jack-O-Lantern Peppers
To make these tasty and fun Jack-O-Lantern peppers, you’ll need simple ingredients commonly found in a cheeseburger recipe, such as:
- Orange bell peppers
- Ground beef
- Yellow onion
- Minced garlic
- Tomato paste, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mayo
- Orzo
- Beef broth
- Smash burger seasoning and garlic powder
- Mild cheddar cheese
You can find the exact ingredient amounts in the recipe card below!
How To Make Cheeseburger Jack-O-Lantern Peppers
1
Prepare the Peppers: Start by cutting off the tops of the orange bell peppers (keep these for later). Remove the seeds and membranes from the inside and set the peppers aside.
2
Cook the Filling: In a skillet, cook your ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic until the onions are soft and the beef is fully browned. Then, add tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayo, and seasonings. Let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
3
Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo and beef broth. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking.
4
Melt the Cheese: Once the orzo is tender, top the mixture with 1 cup of freshly shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into the filling.
5
Stuff the Peppers: Place the hollowed-out peppers in a lipped casserole dish with about 1 inch of water. Fill each pepper with the cheeseburger orzo mixture and top them with a little more shredded cheese.
6
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, or until the peppers are soft and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Serve: Serve these peppers with additional cheese and any of your favorite cheeseburger toppings!
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I carve the Jack-O-Lantern faces on the peppers?
Use a small, sharp knife to carefully carve out the eyes, nose, and mouth of the pepper before stuffing. Be gentle to avoid tearing the pepper.
Can I make these peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the peppers and the filling in advance. Simply stuff the peppers, cover, and refrigerate. Bake them when you’re ready to serve.
What other toppings can I add to these peppers?
You can top your stuffed peppers with more cheese, pickles, crispy onions, or even a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce!
Can I substitute the orzo for another grain?
Yes, you can substitute orzo with rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Cheeseburger Jack-O-Lantern Peppers
Ingredients
- 6 orange bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp mayo
- 1 cup orzo
- 1 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp smash burger seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mild cheddar – freshly shredded
Instructions
- Start by cutting the tops off of the peppers (save these!) Then remove all of the seeds and membrane. Set these to the side.
- In a skillet, cook your ground meat, onions, and garlic until the onions are soft and the meat is fully cooked.
- Add in your tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, worchestchire, mayo, and seasonings. Let it cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Add in your orzo and beef broth. Cover and let it cook until the orzo is done. About 7 minutes, stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Top with 1 cup of your cheese and let it melt in.
- Place your peppers in a lipped casserole dish with 1 inch of water. Fill your peppers with the mixture evenly. Top with a little more cheese and transfer to the oven for 20-30 minutes until your peppers are soft.
