Imagine coming in from a crisp fall evening to the warmth of a cozy kitchen. The scent of meaty, creamy Bolognese mingles with the sweetness of roasted bell peppers—a perfect meal to share with family or friends in festive Halloween spirit. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and just the right hint of spice make this dish feel like a warm hug on a chilly night. Let’s get cooking—no experience required, just a dash of fun and comfort!
Recipe Info
| Category | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Calories | ~310 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise, stems and seeds removed
- ½ cup cooked rice (or orzo as a substitute)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 tbsp finely minced carrots (about ⅛ cup)
- 2 tbsp finely minced celery (about ⅛ cup)
- ½ lb ground beef
- ¼ lb pancetta (or lightly smoked bacon), diced
- 1½ cups marinara sauce (prepared)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tbsp olive oil. Add carrots and celery; sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef ; cook until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess liquid.
- Stir in marinara sauce, and red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer for 10 minutes, letting flavors mingle.
- Mix in heavy cream, half of the Parmesan, and cooked rice. Simmer an additional 5 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the mix is slightly thick.
- Place bell pepper halves in a shallow baking dish. Fill each with the Bolognese mixture. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle on the rest of the Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is golden. Serve hot.
Tip: If you’re running short on time, just skip the rice/orzo and spoon the filling over pasta for a quick, lazy version.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Make-ahead magic: Prepare the filling earlier and store in the fridge—just fill and bake when ready.
- Storage: Cool and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days; reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Spice control: Tame the heat by using less red pepper flakes, or kick it up by adding a pinch of cayenne.
- Rice alternatives: Orzo is a delicious swap—and your kitchen pantry stays tidy!
Recipe Variations
- Swap It Up: Use ground turkey or crumbled Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.
- Light & Lemony: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in finely chopped mushrooms or spinach to sneak in more veggies.
- Cheesy Switch: Use mozzarella or a mix of Italian cheeses in place of Parmesan for a gooey twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with sautéed zucchini with tomatoes and sweet onion—it complements the richness of these peppers beautifully.
- Garlic-steamed spinach or a crisp green salad lightly dressed would freshen up the plate.
- Don’t forget crusty garlic bread or toasty slices—perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
Conclusion
What a joy to bake these cozy, flavorful peppers—especially for Halloween gatherings or simple weeknight dinners. They carry that comforting, homemade vibe that brings people together. Serve them warm, share them with your favorite ghoul-friends or family, and watch them disappear bite by delicious bite. Happy cooking—and even happier feasting!