Let me just say thank you for being here! Whether you’re a longtime reader or just stumbled across this festive little corner of the internet, I’m so happy you’re here. Because today? We’re cooking up something that’s fun, flavorful, and absolutely perfect for spooky season: Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers!
These adorable, slightly spooky stuffed bell peppers are not only a showstopper on the Halloween table, but they’re also healthy, hearty, and SO easy to make. Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are my go-to when I want to bring something festive to a party and still sneak some veggies and protein onto the plate.
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What Are Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers?
Think of them as your classic stuffed peppers… with a Halloween twist! We carve friendly little faces into orange bell peppers to mimic the look of mini Jack-O’-Lanterns, then fill them with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, tomatoes, onions, and gooey cheese. It’s all the comfort of a warm, homey dish—with a dash of Halloween whimsy!
Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Peppers 🎃
Festive & fun – They make the perfect edible centerpiece for your Halloween dinner
Nutritious & hearty – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the peppers
Kid-friendly – Let the little ones help carve their pepper faces (with supervision!)
Versatile – Use any filling you love—meat, veggie, spicy, mild, cheesy, or vegan
Meal prep–friendly – These reheat beautifully for easy lunches or dinners later in the week
What Do They Taste Like?
Imagine the comforting, slightly smoky flavor of roasted peppers, filled with a rich, herby tomato and ground beef mixture. The rice adds heartiness, the cheese gives it melty, gooey goodness, and the carved faces make it impossible not to smile while you eat them.
Health Benefits of Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Not only are these festive, but they’re actually packed with good-for-you ingredients:
Bell peppers: Full of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber
Lean ground beef or turkey: High in protein and iron
Brown rice or quinoa: Complex carbs that keep you full and energized
Tomatoes and onions: Rich in lycopene and flavonoids that support immunity
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 large orange bell peppers (for that classic Jack-O’-Lantern look)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup cooked rice (or quinoa)
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Optional garnish: parsley, extra cheese, sour cream
Tools You’ll Need
Sharp paring knife (for carving the faces)
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Foil (optional for covering during baking)
Spoon or small scoop (to fill the peppers)
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Vegetarian? Use black beans and corn instead of meat, and add chili powder for kick
No rice? Use quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice
Spice lover? Toss in jalapeños or red pepper flakes
Cheese swap? Cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack all work beautifully
Different peppers? Yellow or red can work, but orange is best for that Jack-O’-Lantern vibe
How to Make Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers – Step-by-Step
1. Prep the Peppers
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Use a small sharp knife to carve Jack-O’-Lantern faces into one side of each pepper. Be creative—triangles, toothy grins, or spooky eyes!
2. Cook the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add Flavor
Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and cooked rice. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes so everything gets cozy and flavorful. Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheese.
4. Fill the Peppers
Spoon the filling into each hollowed-out pepper, packing it gently but fully. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish. If needed, trim the bottom just a little so they sit flat.
5. Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes. Uncover for the last 10 minutes to let the tops brown slightly. The peppers should be tender and just beginning to wrinkle.
6. Serve & Smile
Place the tops back on each pepper for a full Jack-O’-Lantern effect and serve immediately. Don’t forget to show off those faces before everyone digs in!
What to Serve with Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
These peppers are pretty filling on their own, but they shine even brighter with a few simple sides:
A green salad with a citrus vinaigrette
Roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash
Garlic bread (because carbs = comfort)
A spooky punch or apple cider to sip on
Tips for Perfectly Festive Peppers
Choose firm, symmetrical peppers so they carve well and stand upright
Don’t carve too low—leave room at the bottom so the filling doesn’t fall out
Slightly undercook the rice to avoid mushy texture after baking
Add cheese on top before the final 10 minutes of baking for a bubbly crust
Let them sit for 5 minutes before serving—they’ll hold their shape better
How to Store Leftovers
Let peppers cool completely before storing
Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days
To reheat, microwave for 2–3 minutes or bake at 350°F until warmed through
For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months—just thaw overnight and reheat
General Information
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 stuffed peppers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the peppers and filling separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. Or make the whole thing and reheat just before your event.
Are these spicy?
Not inherently! But you can spice them up by adding cayenne, chili flakes, or spicy sausage.
Can I use other colors of peppers?
Sure! Yellow and red work well too, though green tends to be a bit more bitter. Orange just gives the best Jack-O’-Lantern glow.
Can I make them vegan?
Yes! Use lentils or crumbled tofu for the protein, dairy-free cheese, and vegetable broth or water to moisten the mix.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a Halloween dinner, planning a fun fall activity with the kids, or just want something comforting and festive for dinner—these Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are the way to go. They’re fun, flavorful, and bring just the right amount of spooky to the table.
Want more fall recipe magic? Check out these cozy dishes:
Peach Cobbler Crumble – a warm, bubbling classic
Spiced Peach Baked Oatmeal – perfect for chilly mornings
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup – a creamy autumn hug in a bowl
Share Your Creations!
If you make these peppers, I’d LOVE to see your Jack-O’-Lantern faces! Snap a pic, share it on Pinterest, and tag me—bonus points if you come up with a creepy-cute design!
Nutritional Information (Per Pepper – Approximate)
Calories: 380
Protein: 27g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 7g
Happy haunting—and happy cooking! 🎃