Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers

These Jack O’Lantern stuffed peppers bring festive fun to dinner and are just as delicious as they are adorable. With savory beef or turkey, tender rice, and gooey melted cheese inside perfectly roasted orange peppers, it is my favorite fall recipe to make when Halloween rolls around or anytime I want the table to light up with smiles.

The year I first made these, my family could not wait to carve their own pepper faces. Ever since, it is a must-have for every October gathering at our house.

Ingredients

• Large orange bell peppers: The sweet flavor and orange color make these perfect for Jack O Lantern shapes Choose firm peppers without blemishes
• Ground beef or turkey: Offers hearty protein and makes a filling you can flavor to your taste Pick fresh ground meat from a trusted source
• Cooked white rice: Adds comfort and helps the filling stay moist Use freshly cooked rice or leftover rice from the fridge
• Medium onion, diced: Delivers sweet flavor and softness to the mixture Look for onions with dry skin that feel heavy for their size
• Garlic, minced: Gives your filling a bold aromatic kick Always use fresh cloves if you can
• Diced tomatoes, drained: For rich color and moisture Pick a good quality canned tomato for deeper flavor
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to create gooey pockets in each bite Get a block and shred it yourself for best melt
• Tomato sauce: Brings everything together and keeps peppers tender during baking Choose smooth jarred or canned sauce
• Olive oil: Helps soften the veggies and adds richness Use extra virgin for the best taste
• Dried oregano: Boosts the Mediterranean note in the dish Check the scent when buying to be sure it is fresh
• Paprika: Adds warmth and color I love using sweet smoked paprika here
• Cumin: Lends subtle earthiness and aroma Always store your ground spices in a cool spot
• Salt and pepper: For bringing out all the flavors and allowing you to adjust the taste as you like
• Fresh parsley for garnish: Gives a pop of green that makes the Jack O Lantern faces come alive Flat leaf has the brightest flavor
• Extra cheese for topping: Because you can never have too much melty cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Peppers:

Cut the tops off each orange bell pepper and gently scoop out the seeds and membranes Use a small sharp knife to carefully carve faces into one side of the peppers making classic Jack O Lantern smiles or triangle eyes Set your decorated peppers aside

Cook the Rice:

If you have not prepared your white rice yet cook one cup following package directions and set aside to cool slightly before using

Brown the Meat:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until fully browned breaking it into small pieces as it cooks This will take about five to seven minutes Drain away any extra fat so your filling does not get greasy

Sauté the Vegetables:

Stir diced onion into your browned meat and cook until it softens about four minutes Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook another minute until fragrant This step builds a sweet and savory flavor base for your stuffing

Combine and Season the Filling:

Add your cooked rice diced tomatoes half the shredded cheese and half the tomato sauce along with dried oregano paprika cumin salt and pepper Mix thoroughly and let everything cook for two to three minutes to marry the flavors

Stuff and Arrange:

Stand your hollowed and carved peppers upright in a baking dish If the bottoms wobble trim them slightly for stability Generously fill each pepper with your seasoned meat mixture and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese

Add Sauce and Steam:

Pour the rest of your tomato sauce around the peppers in the pan and add half a cup of water to help create steam as they bake This step helps the peppers become perfectly tender

Bake and Finish:

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for thirty five to forty minutes The peppers should be fork tender Remove the foil for the last five minutes so the cheese on top gets beautifully melted and just a little golden

Rest and Garnish:

Let everything cool for a few minutes before serving so the faces hold their shape Sprinkle on fresh parsley and enjoy your edible Jack O Lanterns with the faces pointing out

The best part about this recipe is how the sweet roasted pepper pairs so perfectly with the savory rice and cheese filling My youngest loves carving silly faces while I love seeing the dinner table turn festive each fall

Storage Tips

Store leftover peppers in the fridge inside an airtight container They will stay fresh for up to three days To reheat use a microwave or pop into a covered dish in the oven at a low temperature This keeps the filling juicy and the cheese melty

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to swap out the ground meat try crumbled tofu cooked lentils or even black beans for a vegetarian version You can use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice and mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you do not have cheddar on hand For extra veggies add diced zucchini or corn to the filling

Serving Suggestions

These peppers are great on their own but you can serve with a simple side salad or a bowl of roasted fall vegetables For a festive touch place them on a bed of cooked brown rice or arrange them with mini pumpkins and autumn greens for a party-worthy spread

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Stuffed peppers have roots around the world from Eastern European dolmas to Spanish pimientos rellenos but this playful twist is all about Halloween and family fun The orange color and carved faces borrow from pumpkin traditions and bring that cozy October magic to dinner

Seasonal Adaptations

Use red or yellow peppers if orange is not in season Try a filling with seasonal grains like farro or barley Switch up herbs using thyme or rosemary for a winter version

Success Stories

Friends have asked for this recipe year after year after spotting it at our Halloween potluck My trick is to carve the faces together the night before for less rush on the day of the party Last year every pepper got a different silly grin and the kids even helped fill them

Freezer Meal Conversion

Prepare the stuffed peppers through the stuffing step place them in a freezer safe dish and cover tightly You can freeze for up to two months When ready to cook thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed They come out just as flavorful and hold their shape well

Jack O’Lantern stuffed peppers are guaranteed to make your fall table the center of attention. Enjoy every bite and savor the fun memories you create together.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I carve jack-o’-lantern faces in peppers?

Use a small sharp knife to carefully carve eyes, noses, and mouths on one side of each cleaned pepper. Work gently to avoid breaking the pepper shell.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will still deliver tasty and moist results in the stuffed peppers.

→ How do I keep the peppers from tipping over while baking?

Trim a thin slice off the pepper bases to create a flat surface, and stand them upright in a snug baking dish for stability.

→ Is it possible to prepare the dish ahead of time?

You can stuff the peppers and refrigerate them up to a day ahead. Simply bake when ready to serve for best flavor and texture.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the meat with cooked quinoa or beans and extra vegetables to create a flavorful vegetarian option.