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Halloween Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-O'-Lanterns | Spooky & Delicious Dinner

Nothing says Halloween like turning ordinary food into spooky fun! These Halloween Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-O’-Lanterns are as festive as they are flavorful. Imagine bright orange bell peppers carved with little jack-o’-lantern faces, then stuffed with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and herbs. Not only do they look adorable on your table, but they’re also hearty, healthy, and crowd-pleasing. Perfect for Halloween dinner before trick-or-treating, or as a spooky centerpiece at a themed party, these stuffed peppers bring fun and flavor together in the best way.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 stuffed peppers
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 large garlic clove minced
  • 1 ½ cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 can 8 oz no-salt-added tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp canola oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Spoon (for scooping pepper insides)
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish (9x13-inch works best)
  • Foil (optional, for baking)

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the peppers
  1. Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
  2. Using a small paring knife, carve jack-o’-lantern faces into each pepper. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the filling
  1. In a skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
  3. Stir in ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Mix in tomato sauce, cooked rice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 3: Stuff the peppers
  1. Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the carved peppers.
  2. Place peppers upright in a baking dish. Replace the “lids” (pepper tops).
Step 4: Bake
  1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until peppers are tender but still hold their shape.
Step 5: Serve
  1. Arrange on a platter for a spooky, edible jack-o’-lantern dinner!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze stuffed peppers individually for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave until heated through.
🥄 Variations
Cheesy Topping: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top before baking.
Mexican-Inspired: Use taco seasoning, black beans, and corn in the filling.
Vegetarian: Replace beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground.
Kid-Friendly: Skip carving faces and top with cheese “lids” instead.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder.
Mediterranean: Use ground chicken, oregano, and feta cheese.
❓ 10 FAQs
Do I have to carve faces into the peppers?
No, you can leave them whole if you want a quicker version.
Can I use other pepper colors?
Yes, red, yellow, or green work, but orange gives the best jack-o’-lantern look.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, prep and stuff peppers, then refrigerate. Bake before serving.
Do I need to cook the rice first?
Yes, pre-cooked rice works best to ensure the filling is tender.
Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Absolutely—it’s a great substitute.
How do I keep peppers from toppling in the oven?
Nestle them snugly in a baking dish or trim bottoms slightly to flatten.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 12–15 minutes.
What ground meat works best?
Beef is classic, but chicken, turkey, or lamb work well too.
Do kids like these?
Definitely! Carving the faces makes them extra fun for kids.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two.
🏁 Conclusion
These Halloween Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-O’-Lanterns are the perfect mix of festive and flavorful. With carved peppers that look like little pumpkins and a hearty beef-and-rice filling, they make a fun and satisfying Halloween dinner.
Easy to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to impress, they’ll bring spooky charm and cozy comfort to your holiday table.