Stuffed Pepper Jack-O’-Lantern Sliders: A Spooky, Savory Halloween Dinner

When Halloween rolls around, it’s not just about the candy—it’s also the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen with festive meals that bring both fun and flavor to the table. These Stuffed Pepper Jack-O’-Lantern Sliders are a spooky twist on classic stuffed peppers. Sweet bell peppers are carved like mini pumpkins, filled with a savory meat and cheese mixture, and baked until tender. They’re cute, customizable, and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike at any Halloween party.

What Are Stuffed Pepper Jack-O’-Lantern Sliders

Stuffed Pepper Jack-O’-Lantern Sliders are bell peppers carved with jack-o’-lantern faces and filled with a seasoned ground beef (or turkey) mixture, then baked until warm and cheesy. They’re essentially mini stuffed peppers but dressed up for Halloween with festive carving.

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Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Festive fun: Perfect for Halloween parties or family dinner before trick-or-treating.
• Kid-approved: Children love the playful jack-o’-lantern look.
• Healthy comfort food: Packed with protein and veggies.
• Customizable: Fill with your favorite meat, grains, or veggies.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare peppers ahead, then bake when ready.

How Do They Taste?

These sliders are savory, cheesy, and hearty. The bell peppers get tender and slightly sweet after baking, while the beefy filling is flavorful and rich. The melted cheese binds everything together for a comforting bite.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

• Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Lean ground beef or turkey provides protein and iron.
• Rice or quinoa (optional filling) adds fiber and nutrients.
• Cheese offers calcium and creamy richness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 small bell peppers (orange, yellow, or red for a pumpkin look)
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for bulk)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or marinara)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or taco seasoning for a twist)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife (for carving faces)
• Spoon (to scoop out peppers)
• Skillet for cooking filling
• Baking dish
• Oven

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of rice.
• Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Add black beans or corn for a Tex-Mex variation.
• Make it spicy with jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Use vegan cheese and lentils for a plant-based version.

How to Make

1. Prep peppers: Slice off the tops and remove seeds. Carve jack-o’-lantern faces into each pepper with a paring knife.
2. Cook filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, seasoning, rice (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Stuff peppers: Fill each pepper with meat mixture. Top with shredded cheese. Replace pepper “lids” on top.
4. Bake: Place peppers in a baking dish with a splash of water at the bottom. Cover loosely with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until peppers are tender.
5. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

What to Serve With

• A side salad with balsamic dressing
• Garlic bread or cornbread muffins
• Roasted sweet potatoes or fries
• A Halloween punch or apple cider

Tips for Success

• Use small peppers so they cook faster and look more like mini pumpkins.
• Carve carefully—triangles are easiest for eyes and mouths.
• Don’t overfill peppers; filling expands slightly while baking.
• Add a little water to the baking dish to steam peppers gently.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using oversized peppers: They take too long to bake and lose shape.
• Not carving deep enough: Make sure cutouts go all the way through.
• Overbaking: Too much time in the oven makes peppers mushy.
• Skipping cheese: It helps bind the filling and adds richness.

How to Store & Reheat

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze stuffed peppers individually, wrapped in foil, for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave for 2–3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep peppers and filling, then assemble before baking.

Do kids actually eat the peppers?
Yes—baking makes them sweet and tender, more appealing to picky eaters.

Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely—use lentils, black beans, or quinoa instead of meat.

What if I don’t want to carve faces?
Skip the carving for regular stuffed peppers.

Nutritional Info (approximate per stuffed pepper, 6 servings)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 520mg

Conclusion

These Stuffed Pepper Jack-O’-Lantern Sliders are the ultimate Halloween dinner—festive, healthy, and delicious. With their carved faces and cheesy filling, they’re sure to delight kids and impress party guests. Serve them as a fun pre-trick-or-treat meal or as a spooky centerpiece at your Halloween gathering.

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October 1, 2025 by Melissa