Halloween Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers

Introduction

Halloween is not just about candy—it’s also a chance to make creative and fun savory dishes that bring the spooky spirit to your dinner table. Halloween Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers are the perfect example. In this recipe, vibrant orange bell peppers are carved into little Jack-O’-Lantern faces, then stuffed with a flavorful filling of rice, meat, veggies, and spices. The result is both festive and satisfying—like a Halloween pumpkin that you can actually eat!

Not only do these peppers look amazing on your table, but they also make for a wholesome dinner option amid the sugar overload of Halloween. It’s a dish that’s equal parts nutritious, festive, and fun.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Festive Presentation: The carved Jack-O’-Lantern faces are spooky and adorable at the same time.
• Wholesome Meal: Packed with lean protein, rice, and veggies, it’s a healthier alternative to sugary treats.
• Customizable: You can adapt the filling to fit dietary needs—meat, vegetarian, or even vegan versions work beautifully.
• Family Fun: Carving the peppers is a fun activity to do with kids (with adult supervision, of course).

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s more than just dinner—it’s a Halloween centerpiece. Imagine a tray of glowing orange peppers with spooky carved faces, filled to the brim with deliciousness. It’s festive enough for a party, hearty enough for dinner, and flexible enough to suit almost any diet. If you’re looking for a recipe that combines Halloween fun with real nourishment, this one is unbeatable.

Preparation & Cooking Time

Servings & Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: ~55 minutes

• Servings: 6 stuffed peppers
• Calories (per serving): ~300–350 kcal
  (Calories vary depending on filling choice and cheese used.)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American (Holiday-Themed)

Ingredients

For the Peppers:

• 6 large orange bell peppers (for pumpkin look)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt & pepper (to season)

For the Filling:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef, chicken, or turkey (or lentils for vegetarian option)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ cup black beans or corn for extra texture

Directions (Quick Overview)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Carve Jack-O’-Lantern faces into peppers and hollow them out.
3. Cook filling mixture with meat, rice, veggies, and spices.
4. Stuff peppers, top with cheese.
5. Bake 25–30 minutes until peppers are tender.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

1. Slice off the tops of the bell peppers (keep lids for later).
2. Scoop out seeds and membranes.
3. Using a small sharp knife, carve little Jack-O’-Lantern faces into the peppers.
4. Brush inside with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
3. Add ground meat (or lentils) and cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomatoes, rice, beans/corn (if using), and spices. Cook 5 minutes.
5. Mix in half of the shredded cheese.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill each carved pepper with the prepared mixture.
2. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
3. Place “pepper lids” back on each stuffed pepper.

Step 4: Bake

1. Arrange peppers upright in a baking dish.
2. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.

How to Serve

• Serve peppers hot with a spooky Halloween-themed side dish like “monster mash” (mashed potatoes with green food coloring) or roasted pumpkin seeds.
• Place them on a platter surrounded by Halloween decorations (fake cobwebs, mini pumpkins).
• Great as a main course for Halloween dinner parties.

Recipe Tips

• Choose large, sturdy peppers for easier carving and stuffing.
• Don’t overbake—the peppers should hold their shape.
• To make peppers stand upright, trim a tiny bit off the bottom if uneven.
• Prepare filling a day ahead to save time on Halloween night.

Variations

1. Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace meat with quinoa, lentils, or black beans, and use vegan cheese.
2. Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce to filling.
3. Breakfast Version: Stuff with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese for a Halloween breakfast!
4. Italian Style: Use Italian sausage, rice, marinara, and mozzarella.
5. Tex-Mex: Use taco-seasoned beef, black beans, and cheddar cheese.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze stuffed peppers (before baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Warm baked peppers in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Sharp paring knife (for carving faces)
• Large baking dish
• Skillet for cooking filling
• Spoon for stuffing peppers

Conclusion

Halloween Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers are the ultimate savory Halloween dish—equal parts festive, healthy, and delicious. Their spooky carved faces make them a visual delight, while the hearty filling ensures they’re as satisfying as they are fun.

Whether you’re hosting a Halloween dinner, feeding kids before trick-or-treating, or simply wanting a creative autumn meal, these peppers are guaranteed to impress. One bite, and you’ll know this recipe is destined to become a Halloween tradition in your home.

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Halloween Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 35 mins Total Time 55 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 350kcal

Description

Halloween is not just about candy—it’s also a chance to make creative and fun savory dishes that bring the spooky spirit to your dinner table. Halloween Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers are the perfect example.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Peppers:

• 6 large orange bell peppers (for pumpkin look)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt & pepper (to season)

For the Filling:

• 1 pound (450g)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blend)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: ½ cup black beans or corn for extra texture

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Peppers: Slice off the tops of the bell peppers (keep lids for later).Scoop out seeds and membranes. Using a small sharp knife, carve little Jack-O’-Lantern faces into the peppers. Brush inside with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2: Make the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté until fragrant. Add ground meat (or lentils) and cook until browned. Stir in tomatoes, rice, beans/corn (if using), and spices. Cook 5 minutes. Mix in half of the shredded cheese.
3. Step 3: Stuff the Peppers: Fill each carved pepper with the prepared mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Place “pepper lids” back on each stuffed pepper.
4. Step 4: Bake: Arrange peppers upright in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.

Keywords: Halloween Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers