Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Beef Fajita Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers carved like jack-o’-lanterns and filled with tender beef fajitas, Mexican-style rice, guacamole, and pico de gallo. A festive and flavorful dish with bold Texas flair

Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Special Equipment: Grill

Ingredients

• –6 large bell peppers (tops removed, seeds cleaned)

• 2 lbs beef fajita steak (skirt, flank, or sirloin flap), thinly sliced

• 1 cup cooked Mexican-style rice

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 1 extra bell pepper, sliced

• ⅓ cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1½ tablespoons brown sugar

• Juice and zest of 1½ limes

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro

• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (optional, recommended)

• ¾ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Toppings:

• Fresh guacamole

• Pico de gallo

• Lime wedges

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice and zest, garlic, cilantro, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate the Beef: Add sliced steak to the marinade. Coat well, cover, and refrigerate 2–6 hours or overnight.

3. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Remove tops and seeds. Carve jack-o’-lantern faces if desired.

4. Cook the Fajita Mixture: Cook sliced onion and bell pepper in a hot skillet until softened. Add marinated beef and cook until seared and done.

5. Assemble: Place a layer of rice in each pepper. Fill with fajita mixture. Top with guacamole and pico de gallo. Place pepper tops back on.

6. Serve: Serve warm or hold warm on a grill or smoker.