Cheesy Chili & Rice Stuffed Jack O' Peppers

The first time I made these Pinterest inspired stuffed "pumpkin" carved bell peppers was a few years ago, every year since then they have been a fun seasonal staple but this years were my absolute favorite! I mean just look at how the cheesy rice & chili mix just pours out sort of like our lil jack o' pepper is throwing up which is just so festive. I know, thoughts of barfing and food don't exactly go hand in hand, but Halloween is our exception. Think about all of your Pinterest pumpkins throwing up guacamole all over the table, it's acceptable for this holiday. It just is. The combo of the chili, cheese, and rice was not only perfect for these gruesome lil peppers but it tasted so fantastic! Using a low fat cheese and turkey chili we're able to cut down on some fat and get a balance meal of veges, carbs, and lotsa protein! I hope you have fun and enjoy! 

Ingredients:

• 4 orange bell peppers
• 1 1/2 cans chili *I used a no bean turkey chili... you can use any kind of chili you prefer.
• 1 8.8oz bag of Spanish style ready rice. *A plain rice would be fine if you prefer. 
• 1 cup shredded cheese *I used a low fat mexican blend, any cheddar, colby jack, or blend would work, preferably a yellow cheese here. 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400'. 
2. Slice tops off of bell peppers and clean out the seeds. 
3. Very carefully use a sharp kitchen knife to carve into your bell peppers as you would with a pumpkin. Make any faces or shapes you want! Just be careful not to make any of the holes or openings too big so you don't lose all your stuffing as it melts and bakes. 
4. Heat rice per instructions on the bag. I know we're going to be baking it but I find that allowing it to heat in the bag almost steams it or makes it a little softer. 
5. Mix cooked rice, cheese, and chili in a mixing bowl. 
6. Place peppers in a baking dish and evenly distribute your mixture. 
7. Optional: Sprinkle a little more shredded cheese if you have some on top. 
8. Add tops to the Jack O' Peppers and place in the oven. 
9. Bake 25 minutes.