These fun Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed peppers are perfect for Halloween! Filled with savory rice, veggies, and cheese, they bring a little spooky excitement to your dinner table.
Plus, carving pumpkins has nothing on these cute peppers! 🎃 I love how easy they are to make, and they’re always a hit with the kids—who can resist that adorable pumpkin face?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orange Bell Peppers: These are the star of the dish, giving that fun Jack-O’-Lantern look. If you can’t find orange, yellow or red peppers work too, but won’t have the classic pumpkin look.
Rice: I usually go with brown rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but white rice works just fine too. Quinoa is a great gluten-free alternative, adding a unique texture!
Ground Turkey or Beef: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, use plant-based crumbles or beans instead. I prefer adding black beans for a hearty filling and a bit more protein!
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can also be used if you have them. Just chop about one medium tomato and reduce cooking time a bit. They add a nice freshness!
Cheddar Cheese: While I love cheddar for its melty goodness, mozzarella or pepper jack can also work wonderfully for a different flavor twist!
How Do I Carve the Perfect Jack-O’-Lantern Faces?
Carving the peppers is what makes this dish so festive. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a small, sharp knife for detailed work. A paring knife is perfect.
- Draw your faces on the peppers with a pencil or use a toothpick to lightly mark them first. This way, you can get your design just right!
- Start with the eyes – simple triangles work great. For the nose, a small triangle or dot adds character. For the mouth, experiment with goofy or scary shapes!
- Be patient when carving. If you make a mistake, you can always make the opening larger or cover it up a bit with cheese.
Once carved, they’ll look adorable and impress your guests! Happy cooking!
Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peppers:
- 4 orange bell peppers
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1/2 lb ground turkey or beef (optional; for vegetarian use plant-based meat or omit)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 45-60 minutes from start to finish, making it a fun and festive dish for Halloween that doesn’t take too long!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure it’s nice and hot when your peppers are ready to go in!
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers:
Wash the orange bell peppers thoroughly. Slice the tops off and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes inside with a spoon or your hands. Make sure to leave the sides intact so they become little jack-o’-lanterns.
3. Carve Faces:
Using a small, sharp knife, gently carve out fun jack-o’-lantern faces on the outside of each bell pepper. You can get creative with your designs—let your imagination run wild!
4. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Brown the Meat:
If you’re using meat, add the ground turkey or beef to the skillet. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. If going vegetarian, skip this step!
6. Mix in the Filling Ingredients:
Now, stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, as well as salt and pepper to taste. Cook this mixture together for about 3-4 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
7. Combine with Cheese:
Remove the skillet from heat, and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture. This makes the filling deliciously gooey!
8. Stuff the Peppers:
Carefully stuff each carved bell pepper with the filling. Pack it in there nicely until the peppers are full to the brim!
9. Ready for Baking:
Place the stuffed peppers standing up in a baking dish. Top each filled pepper with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese for that irresistible melty topping.
10. Bake the Peppers:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the peppers cool slightly before serving. This helps prevent any burns! Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
Enjoy these festive and delicious Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed peppers, perfect to spice up your Halloween meal!
Can I Use Different Colored Peppers?
Absolutely! While orange bell peppers give the best jack-o’-lantern look, you can use yellow or red peppers as well. Keep in mind that they will look different but still taste delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use plant-based alternatives like lentils or black beans for added protein. You can also add more vegetables, such as diced zucchini or mushrooms, to enhance the filling.
Can I Prepare These Peppers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffed peppers and set them in the baking dish without baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge but may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or bake them in the oven until heated through. You might want to add a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating for an extra melty experience!
