These fun Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed peppers are a tasty Halloween treat! Sweet orange peppers are filled with a savory mix of rice, cheese, and spices, all ready to be carved into spooky faces.
These peppers are not just cute, they’re easy to make! I love setting up a little carving station for the kids—it’s so much fun to see their silly designs. 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: Large orange bell peppers are perfect for that jack-o’-lantern look. If you can’t find them, yellow bell peppers can do the job. Green peppers are fine too, just a bit less sweet.
Ground Meat: I usually use ground beef for its rich flavor, but ground turkey works nicely too. If you’re going vegetarian, black beans or lentils are great protein substitutes that keep the recipe hearty.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to cheese for that melty goodness. For a different taste, try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a kick. Dairy-free options are available too, like a cashew-based cheese or vegan shreds.
Rice or Quinoa: I love cooked rice for its soft texture. Quinoa is a fantastic substitute—it’s packed with protein and gives a nice nutty flavor.
How Can I Carve Perfect Jack-O’-Lantern Faces?
Carving faces on your peppers is what makes them fun! Here’s how to do it easily:
- After rinsing the peppers, cut the tops off carefully with a sharp knife.
- Remove the seeds and membranes inside. A spoon works well for this.
- Use a small knife to carve out eyes, a nose, and a mouth; simple shapes are easier.
- If preferred, you can use a black food coloring pen or nori pieces after baking to create faces.
These steps make it simple and safe for kids to get involved in the Halloween spirit!
Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peppers:
- 4 large orange bell peppers
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey (optional; for a vegetarian alternative, omit or substitute with beans)
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Black food coloring pen or small pieces of nori or black olives for the jack-o’-lantern faces (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a fun Halloween dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Peppers:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, carefully cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes from inside. You can set the tops aside for another use or simply discard them.
2. Carve the Faces:
With a small, sharp knife, carve some simple jack-o’-lantern faces on each pepper. Go for triangle shapes for the eyes and nose, and a jagged mouth for that classic spooky look! If you’re not confident in your carving skills, you can use a black food coloring pen or attach pieces of nori or black olives after baking to create the faces.
3. Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it smells wonderful!
4. Brown the Meat:
If you’re using ground beef or turkey, add it to the skillet now. Cook until it’s browned and cooked all the way through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s any excess fat, drain it out.
5. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
Now, stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together nicely.
6. Mix in the Cheese:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well.
7. Stuff the Peppers:
Generously stuff each pepper with the filling mixture, pressing it down slightly to pack it in. Fill them right to the top!
8. Bake the Peppers:
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Top each one with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro around the base for an extra festive touch. Enjoy your spooky and delicious Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers!
Can I Use Different Colored Bell Peppers?
Yes, you can use different colored bell peppers! While orange works best for the jack-o’-lantern look, yellow or red peppers are great alternatives. Green peppers are okay too but will have a slightly different taste.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground meat and substitute it with beans, lentils, or an extra cup of cooked quinoa for added protein and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I Prepare These Peppers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re chilled from the fridge!
