Jack-o’-lantern Stuffed Peppers: A Festive Halloween Dish

Stuffed peppers for Halloween dinner

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.

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.

3 Jack-o'-lantern stuffed peppers on a plate

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!

Stuffed peppers for Halloween dinner

Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers

Transform ordinary stuffed peppers into spooky Halloween dinner favorites with these Jack-o'-lantern Stuffed Peppers. Orange bell peppers are carved with fun faces and filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese.
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Cook Time 52 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

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

Calories: 350kcal
Keyword dinner recipe, Halloween recipe, Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers, stuffed recipe
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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:

  1. Arrange the stuffed peppers in the slow cooker.
  2. Add 1/2 cup of water or broth to the bottom.
  3. 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:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Place stuffed peppers on a piece of aluminum foil or a grill-safe pan.
  3. 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 AllergenSafe Alternative
GlutenQuinoa or rice
NutsSeeds pumpkin, sunflower
SoyCoconut aminos
EggsFlax 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:

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

  1. Pumpkin cheesecake bars
  2. Pumpkin pie: a classic dessert that resonates with the Halloween theme
  3. Chocolate “dirt” pudding cups with gummy worms
  4. Apple cider doughnuts
  5. 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:

  1. Precook rice or grains before stuffing
  2. Ensure consistent stuffing density
  3. 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

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