Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers: A Frightfully Fun Halloween Dinner

Halloween doesn’t have to be all about candy it can be delicious, wholesome, and creative too. Enter Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers: a spooky twist on a classic comfort dish that’s perfect for a Halloween dinner your whole family will love. These bright orange bell peppers are carved like little jack-o’-lanterns and packed with a savory mixture of rice, ground meat, veggies, sauce, and melted cheese. They’re festive, nutritious, and so fun to serve, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or a family meal that’s equal parts playful and satisfying.

this Recipe

What Are Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers?

Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are Halloween-themed stuffed bell peppers that mimic carved pumpkins. Orange bell peppers are hollowed out and carved with jack-o’-lantern faces, then stuffed with a hearty filling of seasoned ground meat, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese. Once baked, the “faces” peek out with cheesy, bubbly goodness inside making them look just like mini edible pumpkins. They’re warm, cozy, and packed with nutrients the perfect dinner to balance out the Halloween sugar rush.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

If you’re looking for a Halloween recipe that’s festive but also practical and filling, this one’s a winner. Here’s why:

• It’s a wholesome, hearty dinner the whole family can enjoy.
• Fun to carve and assemble with kids.
• Totally customizable for dietary preferences.
• Make-ahead friendly for easy Halloween week prep.
• A festive centerpiece for spooky dinner parties.

These peppers are as delicious as they are decorative and they might just become your new Halloween tradition.

How Do They Taste?

These stuffed peppers are full of comforting, savory flavors. The tender roasted bell peppers pair perfectly with the rich tomato-sauce-coated filling of rice, juicy ground meat, onions, and Italian herbs. Each bite delivers a warm, cheesy, slightly sweet and savory combination that’s as satisfying as it is fun to eat. The melted cheese on top adds just the right amount of creaminess to balance the texture of the filling. Whether you’re 5 or 50, these peppers hit the Halloween dinner jackpot.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

This recipe might be spooky in style, but it’s packed with nutritional benefits:

• Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Lean ground meat adds protein to keep you full and energized.
• Brown rice or quinoa can boost fiber and whole grain content.
• Tomato sauce provides lycopene, known for its heart-health properties.
• Vegetable-loaded: You can easily sneak in more veggies for a balanced meal.

Want to go even healthier? Use lean turkey or lentils, and choose reduced-fat cheese or a dairy-free option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 large orange bell peppers (look for round and firm ones)
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup canned tomato sauce or pasta sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
• Olive oil (for cooking)

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp paring knife (for carving)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Baking dish (9×13 or similar)
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil
• Spoon (for stuffing)
• Cutting board and bowl

Optional Substitutions & Additions

Looking to put your own spin on it? Try these fun swaps and additions:

• Vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils, beans, or crumbled tofu.
• Grain-free: Skip the rice and use riced cauliflower.
• Cheese-free: Omit or use dairy-free shreds.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.
• Southwest style: Use taco seasoning, black beans, and corn with a Mexican cheese blend.

How to Make Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

1. Prep the peppers
   Wash and dry the bell peppers. Slice off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes. Use a small paring knife to carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into each pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the filling
   In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and ground meat. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Season and combine
   Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
4. Stuff the peppers
   Carefully spoon the filling into each carved pepper until full. Top each with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
5. Bake
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Add a few tablespoons of water to the bottom of the dish, then cover loosely with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
6. Uncover and melt cheese
   Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and peppers are tender.
7. Garnish and serve
   Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. Don’t forget to admire your spooky handiwork before digging in!

What to Serve With Jack-O’-Lantern Peppers

These stuffed peppers are a meal on their own, but you can round them out with:

• Roasted sweet potato wedges
• Garlic breadsticks or mummy-shaped rolls
• Green salad with pumpkin seeds and cranberries
• Apple cider or blood orange mocktails
• Halloween-themed veggie tray

They also make a fantastic centerpiece for a spooky dinner buffet.

Tips for Success

• Use firm, flat-bottomed peppers so they stand upright while baking.
• Carve carefully: Start with simple triangle eyes and jagged mouths to keep things easy.
• Don’t overfill: Leave a little room for cheese to bubble without overflowing.
• Add moisture: A little water in the baking dish helps steam the peppers to tender perfection.
• Let them rest: Allow peppers to sit for 5 minutes before serving so the filling settles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the peppers: They should be tender but still hold their shape. Avoid baking too long or they’ll collapse.
• Cutting faces too large: Small, simple cuts hold up better during baking.
• Skipping the foil step: The steam helps cook the peppers evenly before browning.
• Forgetting to taste the filling: Season the meat and rice mixture before stuffing to ensure it’s flavorful.

How to Store & Reheat

• Store: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Microwave on high for 1–2 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
• Freeze: Wrap individual stuffed peppers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the peppers and refrigerate them (unbaked) up to a day in advance. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

What’s the best pepper variety for this?
Orange bell peppers look most like pumpkins, but red or yellow work too. Just be sure they’re large and evenly shaped.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Use cooked lentils, beans, or a plant-based meat substitute instead of ground meat.

Can I use different fillings?
Absolutely. Try taco meat, couscous and veggies, sausage and rice, or even breakfast sausage and eggs for a morning version!

Nutritional Info (approximate per stuffed pepper)

Calories: 340
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 24g
Fiber: 4g

(Nutritional values may vary depending on your ingredients and portion sizes.)

Conclusion

Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are the ultimate Halloween dinner spooky on the outside, satisfying on the inside, and surprisingly healthy to boot. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween gathering, cooking for your family, or just want to celebrate the season in a creative way, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. They’re warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor and the best part? You get to carve your dinner and eat it too. Happy haunting and happy eating!

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August 15, 2025 by Melissa