These fun Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed peppers are perfect for Halloween! Bright orange peppers are filled with a tasty mix of rice, beans, and spices, making each bite deliciously festive.
They’re like little edible pumpkins that make dinner a bit more exciting! I love setting them on the table for a spooky touch. Plus, they’re super easy to make—just scoop, fill, and bake!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: I love using bright orange peppers for that classic pumpkin look! Yellow peppers are a fun addition too. If you can’t find orange, any color bell pepper works, just remember they’ll slightly change the flavor.
Ground Beef/Turkey: For a hearty filling, I prefer ground turkey, but if you’re looking for vegetarian options, swap it out for extra black beans or lentils. They add protein and keep things filling!
Rice: White rice is my go-to, but brown rice adds more nutrients. Quinoa can also be a nice gluten-free option. Use what you have at home for a quick dinner fix!
Corn: I use frozen corn for convenience, but fresh corn cut off the cob is even better in summer. Canned corn is fine too, just drain it well.
Cheddar Cheese: I use sharp cheddar for its great flavor. Feel free to swap in Monterey Jack or even a dairy-free cheese if needed. Just keep that melty goodness!
How Do I Carve the Peppers Like a Pro?
Carving faces into your peppers can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right:
- Use a small, sharp knife for better control. A paring knife works great!
- Start by drawing or tracing a simple face with a black food-safe marker. This helps guide your cuts.
- Make shallow cuts at first, then deepen them as needed. You can always cut more, but you can’t fix a cut that’s too deep!
- Be careful not to cut all the way through the pepper to avoid leakage while baking.
With a little practice, you’ll have neatly carved peppers that are both cute and ready to be filled!
Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (3 orange, 1 yellow), tops cut off and seeds removed
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or turkey (optional; for vegetarian, omit or replace with beans)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
For Carving:
- Black food-safe marker or knife for carving faces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and around 40 minutes to bake, totaling about 1 hour. It’s a fun activity to prepare the peppers, and they look super festive when cooked!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the stage for perfectly baked stuffed peppers!
2. Carve the Peppers:
Use a small, sharp knife to carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into the sides of each orange and yellow bell pepper. Set the peppers aside to prepare for filling.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a saucepan over medium heat, drizzle in a little olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant; your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Prepare the Filling:
Now it’s time to add the filling! Stir in the cooked ground beef or turkey if using, along with the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture cook together for about 3-5 minutes until it’s warmed and nicely mixed.
5. Mix in Rice and Cheese:
Take the pan off the heat and add the cooked rice and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until it’s combined—this is your delicious filling!
6. Stuff the Peppers:
Fill each carved pepper with the savory rice and meat mixture. Pack them gently to fill them completely and evenly.
7. Bake the Peppers:
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each one. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Uncover and Finish Baking:
Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You’ll want the peppers to be tender and the cheese to be melted and bubbly—just perfect!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Add a sprig of fresh parsley or cilantro on top of each pepper to resemble a pumpkin stem. Serve warm and enjoy your beautifully festive Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed peppers!
This recipe creates a delightful Halloween-themed meal that’s not only eye-catching but also packed with flavors that everyone will love! Perfect for family dinners or Halloween parties.
Can I Use Different Colored Peppers?
Absolutely! While orange and yellow peppers give a classic pumpkin look, you can use any color bell pepper you like. Just keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly.
Can These Be Made Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef or turkey and replace it with additional black beans, lentils, or even quinoa for a hearty vegetarian filling. You can add extra veggies too!
Can I Prepare These Peppers in Advance?
Certainly! You can carve the peppers and prepare the filling ahead of time. Assemble the stuffed peppers and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftover Stuffed Peppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them in short intervals until hot.
