If you’re looking for a fun and festive Halloween main course, you have to try Jack-o’-lantern Stuffed Peppers. These adorable stuffed peppers are carved to resemble mini jack-o’-lanterns, adding a playful touch to your Halloween dinner.
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Jack-o’-lantern Stuffed Pepper recipe
Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers are a festive and fun dish, perfect for Halloween. These stuffed peppers resemble traditional jack-o’-lanterns, making them an appealing choice for parties and family dinners during the spooky season.

They’re not just cute, though—inside, they’re filled with a delicious, hearty mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, making them the perfect combination of flavor and festivity. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just looking to add a little seasonal flair to your family dinner, these stuffed Jack-o’-lantern peppers are sure to impress!

Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers
Ingredients
- 4 large orange bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes drained
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Use a small paring knife to carve jack-o'-lantern faces into the sides of the peppers. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked rice, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until fully combined.
- Fill each bell pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Let the peppers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your spooky and delicious Halloween-themed dinner!
Nutrition
Variations
Cooking methods
1. Slow cooker adaptation
Slow cooker offers a convenient alternative for busy Halloween hosts. It results in incredibly tender peppers with well-melded flavors. Here’s a simple method:
- Arrange the stuffed peppers in the slow cooker.
- Add 1/2 cup of water or broth to the bottom.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
The slow cooker method frees up oven space for other Halloween treats and keeps the peppers warm throughout your event.
2. Grilling options for added smoky flavor
Grilling imparts a unique smoky essence to Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers. If you’re an outdoor cooking enthusiast, try this method for a delightful twist:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place stuffed peppers on a piece of aluminum foil or a grill-safe pan.
- Grill for 30-35 minutes with the lid closed, checking occasionally.
Grilled Jack-o’-lantern peppers add rustic charm to your Halloween spread and offer a delightful smoky aroma.
Dietary adaptations
1. Low-carb and keto-friendly options
- Replace the rice with cauliflower rice to significantly reduce the carb content.
- Use ground turkey or lean ground beef if you’re watching calories as well, but this won’t impact carbs much.
- Omit the diced tomatoes or use a lower-carb option like chopped zucchini or spinach to cut back on the carbs from tomatoes.
2. Dairy-free alternatives
Dairy-free Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers accommodate lactose-intolerant guests. You can replace:
- Nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
- Cashew cream for a creamy texture
- Vegan cheese alternatives
3. Common food allergies
Allergen-free options require careful ingredient selection. For various dietary needs, consider these alternatives:
Common Allergen | Safe Alternative |
Gluten | Quinoa or rice |
Nuts | Seeds pumpkin, sunflower |
Soy | Coconut aminos |
Eggs | Flax eggs or omit binder |
Pairing suggestions
Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers can be paired with various sides and beverages to enhance the meal.
1. Beverages
Non-alcoholic:
- Orange sherbet punch
- Green smoothie “slime” shakes
- Spiced apple cider
Alcoholic:
- Pumpkin ale
- Blackberry “potion” cocktails
- Candy corn martinis
2. Side dishes
Side dishes balance meal composition.
- Roasted root vegetable medley
- Spooky black rice pilaf
- Pumpkin soup served in mini pumpkins
- Graveyard hummus dip with vegetable “fingers”
3. Dessert pairings
- Pumpkin cheesecake bars
- Pumpkin pie: a classic dessert that resonates with the Halloween theme
- Chocolate “dirt” pudding cups with gummy worms
- Apple cider doughnuts
- Ghost-shaped meringue cookies
Troubleshooting common issues
1. Peppers from becoming too soft
Proper cooking time prevents mushy peppers. These tips help maintain pepper structure:
- Parboil peppers for 2-3 minutes before stuffing
- Avoid overcooking by checking doneness regularly
- Use firmer pepper varieties like bell or poblano
2. Uneven cooking of stuffing
To make sure the even cooking Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers peppers:
- Precook rice or grains before stuffing
- Ensure consistent stuffing density
- Cover peppers during the initial cooking phase
3. Seasoning and moisture levels
To perfect the taste and texture:
- Taste the stuffing mixture before filling the peppers
- Add liquid incrementally to avoid sogginess
- Offer additional seasonings on the side for customization