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Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Pumpkins with Rice and Meat

Rhonda Anderson
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dinner Ideas
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2–3 small pumpkins (sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins, 2–3 lbs each)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional for warmth)
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven : Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper.
  • Prepare Pumpkins : Cut off the tops of the pumpkins and scoop out seeds and strings. If desired, carve Jack-O’-Lantern faces.
  • Cook Filling : In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
  • Add Meat : Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
  • Combine Rice and Tomatoes : Stir in cooked rice and diced tomatoes. Season with paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
  • Stuff Pumpkins : Spoon the meat and rice mixture into the hollowed pumpkins, packing slightly but leaving some space at the top.
  • Bake : Place stuffed pumpkins in the prepared baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until pumpkin is tender. Optional Cheese Topping: Sprinkle grated cheese on top of each pumpkin and bake 5 minutes more until melted.
  • Serve : Garnish with parsley or cilantro. Serve warm as a main course.