Scary Stuffed Bell Peppers Carved Like Jack-O’-Lanterns

These Scary Stuffed Bell Peppers Carved Like Jack-O’-Lanterns are a spooky twist on a comforting classic — perfect for Halloween night! Bright orange bell peppers are carved into little “pumpkin faces” and filled with a hearty mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese. Once baked, they come out warm, aromatic, and irresistibly delicious, making them both a conversation starter and a satisfying meal.

What makes this dish so fun is its playful presentation — each pepper becomes its own edible Halloween decoration! Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner before trick-or-treating, or just love creative themed meals, these creepy-cute stuffed peppers are sure to delight kids and adults alike.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it combines the comforting flavors of stuffed peppers with the creativity of Halloween festivities. The carved Jack-O’-Lantern faces bring joy to the table and turn a simple dinner into a memorable experience. I also love how customizable it is — you can switch the filling to your liking (vegetarian, Mexican, Italian, or even quinoa-based).

It’s hearty, nutritious, and entertaining to make — especially if you involve your kids in carving the “faces” on the peppers! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while still keeping the meal festive and fun.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish for several reasons:

• Festive & Fun: Instantly elevates any Halloween spread.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Works with meat, poultry, or plant-based fillings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep and bake later — a lifesaver for busy hosts!

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 6 stuffed peppers
• Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American (Halloween-themed comfort food)

Ingredients

For the Jack-O’-Lantern Peppers:

• 6 large orange bell peppers (tops cut off and seeds removed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil leaves
• Extra shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. Use a small sharp knife to carefully carve Jack-O’-Lantern faces — triangle eyes and a jagged mouth work perfectly!
4. Brush the insides lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a bit of salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
5. Add the cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese, stirring until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each prepared pepper.
2. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each filling.
3. Place the tops of the peppers back on like little lids.

Step 4: Bake the Peppers

1. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
2. Add 1/2 cup of water or broth to the bottom of the dish to keep them moist.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.

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How to Serve

Serve these adorable “Jack-O’-Lantern” peppers hot, straight from the oven!
Pair them with:

• A light green salad or roasted vegetables
• A side of garlic bread or mashed potatoes
• For a Halloween twist, serve on black plates or a platter decorated with fake cobwebs or spooky garnishes!

Recipe Tips

• Carving Tip: Use a small paring knife or pumpkin carving tool for precision.
• Even Cooking: Choose peppers of similar size for uniform baking.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the filling a day before; refrigerate and stuff peppers before baking.
• Cheese Upgrade: Mix in feta or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
• Healthy Swap: Use quinoa instead of rice or lentils instead of beef.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with a mix of black beans, corn, and quinoa.
2. Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and top with salsa and avocado.
3. Italian Style: Use Italian sausage and replace rice with cooked orzo or couscous.
4. Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a kick.
5. Cheesy Delight: Add ricotta or cream cheese to the filling for creaminess.

Freezing & Storage

• To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• To Freeze: Wrap individual peppers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Sharp paring knife (for carving faces)
• Large skillet for cooking filling
• Baking dish (deep enough to hold peppers upright)
• Aluminum foil

Conclusion

These Scary Stuffed Bell Peppers Carved Like Jack-O’-Lanterns are the perfect combination of creativity, flavor, and fun. They bring festive spirit to your Halloween table while serving as a hearty, wholesome meal. Whether you’re hosting a spooky dinner or cooking a themed family night meal, these edible “pumpkins” will charm everyone with their playful looks and savory filling.

Scary Stuffed Bell Peppers Carved Like Jack-O’-Lanterns

These Scary Stuffed Bell Peppers Carved Like Jack-O’-Lanterns are a spooky twist on a comforting classic — perfect for Halloween night! Bright orange bell peppers are carved into little “pumpkin faces” and filled with a hearty mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Dinner

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Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 40 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins Difficulty: Beginner

Ingredients

Servings

For the Jack-O’-Lantern Peppers:

• 6 large orange bell peppers (tops cut off and seeds removed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• ¹⁄₂ cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¹⁄₂ tsp chili powder (optional, for spice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or basil leaves
• Extra shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Use a small sharp knife to carefully carve Jack-O’-Lantern faces — triangle eyes and a jagged mouth work perfectly! Brush the insides lightly with olive oil and sprinkle a bit of salt. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Cook the Filling : In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Add the cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese, stirring until well combined.
3. Step 3: Stuff the Peppers : Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each prepared pepper. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each filling. Place the tops of the peppers back on like little lids.
4. Step 4: Bake the Peppers : Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Add 1/2 cup of water or broth to the bottom of the dish to keep them moist. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.

Keywords: Scary Stuffed Bell Peppers Carved Like Jack-O’-Lanterns