1. 1. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Wash your bell peppers thoroughly. Carefully slice off the tops of the peppers and set them aside (you can use them as “lids” if you like, or discard). Scoop out and discard the seeds and membranes from inside each pepper. Using a small, sharp paring knife, carefully carve jack-o-lantern faces into one side of each pepper. Think triangles for eyes and a jagged smile!

2. 2. Saute the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. 3. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or your chosen ground meat) to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

4. 4. Assemble the Filling: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the meat mixture. Mix everything well until combined and heated through.

5. 5. Stuff the Peppers: Carefully spoon the prepared filling into each carved bell pepper, mounding it slightly at the top.

6. 6. Bake the Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If they are wobbly, you can trim a tiny bit off the bottom to help them stand, but be careful not to cut through. Pour about 1/2 inch of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps steam the peppers and keeps them from drying out.

7. 7. Add Topping and Finish Baking: Bake in a preheated oven at 375 F (190 C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly. During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper and let it melt until golden.

8. 8. Serve Warm: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve these adorable Jack-O-Lantern Peppers warm.