Jack O'Lantern Stuffed Peppers

I LOVE HALLOWEEN. even when i was younger and felt more religious ties with my family, taking part in this one felt a little like breaking the rules. And now that i know real hers-tory, i like it even more.

These stuffed peppers are great for a crowd, and pretty easy to whip up. Serve alongside some guac for a fun dinner presentation.

OR just fill up with some chopped veggies and dip!

Ingredients

• 6-8 orange bell peppers

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 4 diced Roma Tomatoes, OR 2 cans 10oz RO*TEL and Green Chilies

• 1 can black beans drained

• 2 C cooked brown rice

• Optional: 1-2 C shredded pepper jack cheese

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• In a large skillet, brown ground beef.

• Once the beef is cooked through, add the tomatoes, black beans, and cooked rice. Simmer on medium heat for 5-10 minutes. Near the end of the simmer time, stir in cheese.

• While the mixture simmers, prepare the bell peppers. Cut the tops off (set aside to reuse) and remove the seeds & white tissue inside. Using a very small paring knife, carve each pepper to look like a jack o'lantern.

• Place cut peppers inside a large baking dish and completely fill each pepper with the mixture. Top each pepper with more cheese if desired and then place the pepper top back on top (to complete the pumpkin look)

• Place in oven and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes (just until the peppers are cooked some, but still firm. You don't want mush)!

• Serve warm and enjoy!