Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Peppers - featured image

Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

  • Author: Layla Thomson
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 stuffed peppers 1x

Description

These festive stuffed peppers are carved like jack-o-lanterns and filled with a hearty, cheesy mixture for a savory Halloween main dish. Perfect for parties or family dinners, they’re fun to make and healthier than typical holiday treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or meatless substitute
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup corn kernels or chopped mushrooms
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice tops off each bell pepper to create a lid. Remove seeds and membranes. Brush outsides with olive oil.
  3. Carve jack-o-lantern faces into each pepper using a paring knife.
  4. Heat skillet over medium heat. Add ground meat (or substitute) and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  6. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese. Fold in corn or mushrooms if using.
  8. Spoon filling into each pepper, pressing gently. Fill to just below the top.
  9. Sprinkle extra cheese over the filling.
  10. Arrange peppers upright in a baking dish. Place lids next to peppers. Cover loosely with foil.
  11. Bake for 30-35 minutes until peppers are tender but hold their shape.
  12. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to brown cheese.
  13. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.

Notes

Choose peppers with flat bottoms for stability. Carve simple faces for best results. Filling can be made ahead and is customizable with vegetarian, vegan, or low-carb options. If peppers tip over, slice a thin piece off the bottom to level. Cover with foil while baking for moist peppers, then uncover to brown cheese.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
  • Calories: 275
  • Sugar: 7
  • Sodium: 550
  • Fat: 13
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 23
  • Fiber: 6
  • Protein: 18

Keywords: Halloween, stuffed peppers, jack-o-lantern, fall recipe, party food, kid-friendly, savory Halloween, easy dinner, healthy Halloween, bell peppers

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://nummytaste.com/halloween-jack-o-lantern-stuffed-peppers-recipe-easy-fall-party-idea/