Preheat oven to 350°F and cut off the pumpkin stalk on the bottom so the pumpkin can stand upright. Cut off the pumpkin top and hollow out the inside. Rub the inner walls of the pumpkin with salt and then place the pumpkin upside down (with the opening on a paper towel) for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the rice and prepare the filling. Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, and season with salt and pepper. Add the onions, garlic, bell peppers, mushrooms, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, and parsley and mix well.
Remove the pan from the stove and stir the whisked eggs and cooked rice into the mixture.
Spoon the filling into the hollow pumpkin.
Baste the outside of the pumpkin with olive oil, sprinkle cheese on top, and cook for 1 hour.
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Notes
For a real wow effect, serve the pumpkin whole and cut it at the table so everyone can enjoy how great it tastes AND looks!