Spook-tacular Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers: A Haunted Harvest

Imagine carving a classic Halloween pumpkin, but instead of a ghoulish face, it’s a vibrant bell pepper turned into a edible masterpiece. These Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers combine festive fun with a hearty, healthy twist. The aromatic blend of seasoned ground meat and melted cheese oozes from the carved openings, just like a real jack-o’-lantern’s wicked grin.

This recipe invites you to embrace chaos in the kitchen with a spooky, playful approach. It’s perfect for those who love holiday traditions but crave a nutritious, colorful dish that screams Halloween. Plus, the process of carving and stuffing transforms the ordinary into something delightfully eerie and engaging for all ages.

Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers

This dish features vibrant bell peppers carved into pumpkin shapes, hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and vegetables. After baking, the peppers have a tender texture with melted cheese on top, creating a festive and colorful presentation perfect for Halloween celebrations.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 large bell peppers preferably orange or yellow for a festive look
• 1/2 pound ground meat beef, turkey, or chicken
• 1 cup cooked rice white or brown rice
• 1/2 cup diced onion preferably yellow or white
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika optional, for color and flavor

Equipment

• Chef’s knife
• Baking dish
• Spoon
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by carefully carving pumpkin-like faces into each bell pepper using a sharp chef’s knife, creating a fun and Halloween-ready appearance. Remove the seeds and inner membranes to create a hollow interior.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika for flavor. Stir in cooked rice and mix until evenly combined.
4. Use a spoon to fill each carved pepper with the meat and rice mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling in tightly and leave a little space at the top for cheese.
5. Place the filled peppers into a baking dish standing upright. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly with some golden edges.
7. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve these festive jack-o’-lantern peppers hot, with their cheerful expressions and gooey cheese inside.

Notes

For extra spookiness, add small cheese slices or olives for eyes and a nose before baking.

As the aroma of seasoned peppers and sizzling filling fills your space, you’ll feel the festive cheer grow stronger. These stuffed peppers are more than a dish—they’re a creative experience that celebrates the spooky season. Sharing them around the table turns dinner into a ghoulishly good celebration.

With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe offers a fun, memorable way to enjoy Halloween with family and friends. The cheerful mashup of flavors and playful presentation makes it an instant hit. Now, all that’s left is to enjoy the spooky, savory feast you’ve crafted with love.