Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Use a small knife to carve jack-o’-lantern faces into the sides of each pepper.

Place the carved peppers in a baking dish. Set the tops aside if you want to use them for presentation.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, breaking up the meat as it cooks.

Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is heated through and well combined.

Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each carved pepper until they are full. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tops.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let them cool slightly before serving or transporting.