Bring Halloween dinner to life with these Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers—a festive, family-friendly twist on a classic comfort food. Bright orange bell peppers are carved with playful jack-o’-lantern faces and filled with a savory, cheesy beef-and-rice mixture that’s both hearty and crowd-pleasing. Perfect for Halloween night, fall parties, or a spooky-fun weeknight meal, these stuffed peppers are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 stuffed peppers
Ingredients
- 4 large orange bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup water (for baking dish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the peppers:
Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Using a small paring knife, carefully carve simple jack-o’-lantern faces on one side of each pepper. Set peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.
Tip: Keep facial designs simple—triangles and smiles hold their shape best during baking.
- Cook the filling:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. - Season and combine:
Stir in cooked rice, marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until heated through and well combined. - Stuff the peppers:
Spoon the filling evenly into each pepper. Top generously with shredded cheese. - Bake:
Pour water into the bottom of the baking dish (this helps steam and soften the peppers). Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. - Finish baking:
Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve:
Let cool slightly before serving so the peppers hold their shape.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
Conclusion
These Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a festive way to turn dinner into a Halloween celebration. With their cheerful carved faces and comforting, cheesy filling, they’re sure to delight kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering or just making memories around the dinner table, this recipe delivers seasonal fun without sacrificing flavor. Carve, bake, and enjoy a Halloween meal that’s both playful and satisfying
