Spooky Halloween Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Get ready to bring a touch of Halloween magic to your dinner table with these delightful Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers! Packed with savory beef or turkey, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese, these festive peppers are as delicious as they are adorable. The perfect recipe to brighten up your fall gatherings or add a smile to any weeknight meal.

From the moment I introduced these Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers to my family, they became a seasonal favorite. The joy of carving silly faces on the peppers is a tradition we all look forward to every October. The sweet roasted pepper perfectly complements the savory filling, creating a dish that is sure to light up your dinner table with festive fun.

Whether you follow the recipe to a T or get creative with your own twists and swaps – like using vegetarian options or adding extra veggies – these stuffed peppers are a versatile and delicious meal option. And with the ability to prepare them ahead of time or even freeze for later, you can enjoy the taste of fall and Halloween magic any time of the year!

Quick Benefits

• Adds a festive touch to the dinner table
• Provides a fun and interactive activity for kids and adults
• Offers flexibility with ingredient substitutions for various dietary preferences
• Can be prepped ahead of time and frozen for convenience

Why You’ll Love This Spooky Halloween Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

• Perfect for Halloween or any fall gathering, these Jack O’Lantern stuffed peppers bring festive fun to the dinner table.
• A creative and interactive meal for families, where everyone can carve their own pepper faces before enjoying a delicious meal.
• The combination of sweet roasted peppers, savory rice, and gooey melted cheese creates a flavor explosion that will leave everyone smiling.
• Easy to customize with vegetarian options such as crumbled tofu, cooked lentils, or black beans, making it a versatile dish for different dietary preferences.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and reheated easily, maintaining juicy filling and melty cheese.
• Serve these stuffed peppers with a side salad, roasted fall vegetables, or on a bed of cooked brown rice for a complete and festive meal.
• A great make-ahead dish for parties, as you can carve the faces and stuff the peppers the night before and bake when ready to serve.
• Freezer-friendly recipe that can be prepared in advance and stored for up to two months, maintaining their flavor and shape when reheated.
• These Jack O’Lantern stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit at any fall gathering, creating fun memories and delicious moments for all to enjoy.

Ingredients for Spooky Halloween Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Peppers

• 6 large orange bell peppers

Filling

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 cup tomato sauce, divided
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Assembly

• Small sharp knife for carving
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Pro Tips for Spooky Halloween Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers

For perfectly carved Jack O’Lantern stuffed peppers, use a small sharp knife to create fun faces on the peppers without breaking the shell. This step adds a festive touch and engages everyone in the kitchen.

If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will still provide delicious and moist results, maintaining the savory flavors of the dish.

To make meal prep easier, trim a thin slice off the pepper bases for stability and stuff the peppers ahead of time. Refrigerate them up to a day in advance and bake them when ready to serve for the best flavor and texture. This way, you can enjoy a stress-free dinner with your loved ones.

How to Make Spooky Halloween Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare and Carve Peppers

Cut off the tops of the bell peppers, then remove the seeds and membranes. Use a small sharp knife to carve jack-o’-lantern faces into one side of each pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook Rice

Cook 1 cup of white rice according to package instructions, then set aside.

Step 3: Brown Meat

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Create Filling

Combine cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the tomato sauce, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Stuff Peppers

Place hollowed peppers upright in a baking dish. Trim bottoms slightly for stability. Fill each pepper generously with the meat and rice mixture. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Pour the remaining tomato sauce around the peppers in the baking dish and add 1/2 cup of water to the dish to create steam while baking.

Step 8: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, or until peppers are tender.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Uncover dish for the last 5 minutes of baking to brown the cheese. Let cool for 5 minutes, then decorate with parsley and serve with carved faces showing.

Storage Tips

After preparing and enjoying the festive Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers, store any leftovers in the fridge inside an airtight container. They will keep fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply use a microwave or place them in a covered dish in the oven at a low temperature to keep the filling juicy and the cheese melty.

For longer storage, you can prepare the stuffed peppers up to the stuffing step, place them in a freezer-safe dish, and cover tightly before freezing for up to two months. When ready to cook, thaw the peppers overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This method ensures that the peppers retain their flavor and shape for a delightful meal in the future. Enjoy the Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers as a fun and flavorful fall dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of these Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers, consider swapping the ground beef or turkey with crumbled tofu, cooked lentils, or black beans. These alternatives will provide a savory and protein-rich filling while keeping the dish meat-free.

If you prefer to use different types of rice, try substituting white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients. Additionally, feel free to swap the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack if that’s what you have available in your kitchen. These cheeses will still melt beautifully and contribute a deliciously gooey texture to the stuffed peppers.

To add more vegetables to the filling, consider incorporating diced zucchini or corn for extra flavor and nutrients. These additions will complement the savory rice and cheese filling while providing a variety of textures. Feel free to get creative with your substitutions to customize the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and festive presentation, serve these Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers on a bed of cooked brown rice to create a spooky graveyard scene. You can garnish the dish with mini pumpkins and autumn greens to complete the Halloween-themed spread. The combination of the sweet roasted pepper, savory filling, and gooey cheese will surely delight your guests and add a touch of whimsy to your fall table.

To add a twist to this recipe, try using red or yellow bell peppers if orange is not available. Consider incorporating seasonal grains like farro or barley into the filling for added texture and flavor. For a winter version, experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween gathering or simply looking to bring some festive fun to your dinner table, these Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

FAQs for Spooky Halloween Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will still deliver tasty and moist results in the stuffed peppers.

Can I prepare the stuffed peppers in advance?

You can stuff the peppers and refrigerate them up to a day ahead. Simply bake when ready to serve for best flavor and texture.

How should I carve the faces on the peppers?

Use a small sharp knife to carefully carve eyes, noses, and mouths on one side of each cleaned pepper. Work gently to avoid breaking the pepper shell.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, substitute the meat with cooked quinoa or beans and extra vegetables to create a flavorful vegetarian option.

Conclusion

As you finish up making these delightful Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers, take a moment to admire your handiwork and the festive spirit they bring to your table. The combination of savory filling, tender peppers, and gooey cheese is sure to enchant both children and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween gathering or simply looking to add some holiday cheer to your family dinners, these stuffed peppers are a delicious way to celebrate the season.

Remember, the beauty of the Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers recipe lies not only in its taste but also in the memories you create while making them. From carving silly faces on the peppers to sharing a meal together, these stuffed peppers are a wonderful way to bond with your loved ones. So, savor every bite, enjoy the laughter around the table, and let the magic of fall envelop you with these festive and flavorful Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers. Happy cooking!