There’s something magical about Halloween, especially when the kitchen transforms into a place of spooky creativity. These Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o’-Lanterns are the perfect balance between fun and wholesome, bringing a playful twist to a classic dinner.
I’ve been making stuffed peppers for years, but once October rolls around, carving cute (and slightly mischievous) faces into bright orange bell peppers takes this comforting dish to a whole new level.
The peppers soften in the oven, releasing a sweet aroma that pairs perfectly with the savory stuffing inside—think seasoned rice, ground beef, and plenty of melty cheese.
Not only do these jack-o’-lantern peppers look festive, but they’re also packed with nutrients, making them a sneaky way to serve up a healthy meal that even the kids won’t complain about. With Halloween just around the corner, these are sure to be a hit at any gathering or cozy family dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fun to make: Carving faces into the peppers turns dinner prep into an activity, especially if you have kids who want to get involved.
- Nutrient-packed: The bell peppers bring vitamins A and C to the table, while the filling offers protein and fiber—perfect for balancing out all that Halloween candy.
- Customizable: Whether you’re a fan of spicy flavors or prefer a veggie-packed filling, you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes.
- Great for leftovers: These peppers reheat beautifully, making them a convenient make-ahead meal for a busy week.
Halloween Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-O’-Lanterns Recipe
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Spoon
- Baking Dish
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large clove garlic minced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 8 ounce can no-salt-added tomato sauce, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 ½ cups cooked brown rice
- 4 large orange bell peppers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Carve jack-o’-lantern faces into each pepper.
- Cook the filling: In a pan, brown ground beef with onions, garlic, and spices. Add cooked rice, tomato sauce, and cheese. Mix well.
- Stuff the peppers with the beef and rice mixture, packing them tightly.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30-35 minutes, until peppers are tender.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the tops to brown.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or herbs if desired. Enjoy your spooky dinner!
