Creating Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o’-Lanterns is fun and simple. Follow these steps for delightful results:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Using a small knife, carve out jack-o’-lantern faces on the front of each pepper.

3. Cook the Filling:
– In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the diced onions and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
– Add garlic, stirring for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
– If using meat, add it now, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

4. Add the Other Ingredients: Stir in the rice, beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook until heated through.

5. Cheese It Up: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted and well combined.

6. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling into each prepared bell pepper, packing it tightly. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.

7. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the peppers to soften while keeping the filling moist.

8. Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pepper. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

9. Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.

These steps will guide you in creating beautifully stuffed jack-o’-lanterns that are ready to be served!