Stuffed Pepper Jack-O-Lanterns

Jump to recipe

How do you make your traditional stuffed peppers a little more fun? Carve in some jack-o-lantern faces, of course.

This delicious recipe makes a fun and festive dinner dish or party platter.

These Halloween stuffed peppers are:

• Flavorful
• Fun
• Satisfying
• Spicy

The main ingredients are:

• Orange peppers
• Ground beef or turkey
• Tomato paste

Optional additional ingredients:

• Cheddar cheese
• Chili powder
• Diced tomatoes

3 Health Benefits of This Recipe

#1: Rich Source Of Vitamin C

Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, which among many other functions, acts as a powerful antioxidant in your body[*].

Oxidative stress is a normal part of living. It’s not necessarily a bad thing unless it gets out of balance. Luckily, your body knows exactly what to do to keep oxidation in balance, as long as it has ample antioxidants.

Due to its antioxidant activity, vitamin C can help keep the cells of your body healthy by assisting your immune system. Research shows that vitamin C may play a role in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, and the common cold[*].

#2: Supports Brain Health

The topic of brain health is getting more attention these days than ever. While heart disease is always top of mind when it comes to wellness, neurological disease has become a close second.

One of the best ways to nourish your brain is through diet. Vegetables like cauliflower offer a great source of brain-supportive nutrients. Aside from its vast array of vitamins and minerals, cauliflower is also a fantastic vegetable source of the nutrient choline[*].

Research on the importance of choline is growing, but what we already know is that it plays an essential role in the development of your brain, as well as your DNA.

Choline is also essential in maintaining the structural integrity of your cells as well as the signaling functions so that neurotransmitters can signal throughout your body[*].

#3: Enhances Heart Health

It should come as no surprise that vegetables are good for your heart. But some veggies seem to be tailor-made for promoting heart health — and tomatoes are one of them.

Along with an array of vitamins and antioxidants, tomatoes are a rich source of the phytonutrient lycopene.

Lycopene is a type of carotenoid that’s known for its antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties.

When it comes to heart health, two of the primary concerns are oxidation and inflammation. Keeping your immune system pumped up with potent antioxidants can be a vital aspect of heart health.

Research shows that lycopene from tomato consumption is associated with a decreased risk for cardiovascular disease. This may be in part due to lycopene’s cholesterol-lowering activity[*].

In addition, low serum levels of both lycopene and beta-carotene (another compound found in tomatoes) are associated with an increased risk of heart attack[*].

Print