Name: Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large orange bell peppers; 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 cup cooked white rice; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish; Small sharp knife for carving; Extra cheese for topping

If you’re looking for a show-stopping Halloween dinner that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you’re in the right place! This Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe is one of my absolute favorites when fall rolls around. Not only do these peppers bring a festive vibe to your table with their carved faces, but they’re packed with hearty, comforting flavors that everyone in my family goes crazy for. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it part of your seasonal tradition!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun and Festive: The carved jack o’lantern faces make these stuffed peppers perfect for Halloween gatherings or family dinners with a seasonal twist.
Hearty and Comforting: The filling is a flavorful mix of seasoned ground meat, rice, and cheese that satisfies hungry appetites.
Kid-Friendly Prep: Carving faces on peppers is a fun activity for kids to join in on, making dinner preparation a memorable experience.
Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep the filling and peppers in advance, saving time on busy party nights.

The image shows several stuffed orange bell peppers carved like jack o'lanterns, each with a detailed face featuring eyes and a mouth. The peppers are filled with a brown meat mixture topped with melted yellow cheese that has a slightly golden texture, and small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top. The peppers sit on a white plate with a bit of orange liquid around them, and some fresh green parsley is placed nearby on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the glossy texture of the melted cheese and the smooth skin of the peppers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness inside those vibrant orange peppers. I always recommend using fresh produce for that unbeatable flavor, and make sure your cheese is nice and melty to get that gooey finish we all love.

Orange Bell Peppers: Choose firm, large peppers that can stand upright and hold their shape for carving faces.
Ground Beef or Turkey: I usually use lean ground beef for rich flavor, but turkey makes it lighter if you prefer.
White Rice: Pre-cooked rice works best to add bulk to the filling without sogginess.
Onion: Fresh diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings that nice fragrant punch.
Diced Tomatoes: Drained well to avoid making the filling too watery.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a tangy finish.
Tomato Sauce: Helps keep the filling moist and adds richness.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and enhancing flavors.
Dried Oregano, Paprika, Cumin: These spices build the warm, slightly smoky profile that makes this dish unforgettable.
Salt and Pepper: To taste—all the magic starts here.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish, brightening every bite.
Small Sharp Knife: Essential for carving those perfect jack o’lantern faces.
Extra Cheese: To sprinkle on top before baking for that tempting golden crust.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I frequently tweak the filling depending on what’s in my pantry or my mood—so don’t be afraid to get creative!

Vegetarian Version: Swap the meat with cooked lentils or black beans; you won’t miss the meat at all, and the flavors still shine.
Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the filling mixture for those who like it hot—I do this when I’m craving a little heat.
Cheese Variations: Try mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different cheesy vibe.
Seasonal Twist: Mix in some chopped mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies and earthy flavor.

How to Make Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Carve Your Jack O’Lantern Peppers

First things first—grab your orange bell peppers and carefully cut off the tops. Scoop out all the seeds and membranes so your pepper is hollowed out nicely, like a mini pumpkin. Now the fun part: using a small sharp knife, carve spooky or silly jack o’lantern faces on one side of each pepper. I like to sketch simple triangles for eyes and a jagged smile—it keeps things easy but festive. Set the peppers aside while we prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

If you haven’t cooked your rice yet, now’s the time. About a cup of white rice does the trick—fluffy and ready to mix in. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef or turkey. Break it into small pieces and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. I like to drain the excess fat at this point so the filling doesn’t get greasy.

Next, toss in the diced onion and sauté until softened and slightly translucent—around 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell that wonderful aroma filling your kitchen.

Now stir in your cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half the tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything up and cook for a couple more minutes to meld all those flavors together. This is where the magic happens—you’ll notice the filling has a wonderful, rich texture with just the right balance of spices.

Step 3: Stuff and Bake

Place your carved peppers upright in a baking dish. If they’re a little wobbly, trim a thin slice off the bottom to level them without cutting through the pepper. Stuff each pepper generously with the meat and rice mixture, packing it in without overfilling. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to create that bubbling cheesy crown.

Pour the leftover tomato sauce around the peppers in the dish, then add half a cup of water. This trick steams the peppers, making them tender without drying them out. Cover the whole dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.

About 5 minutes before the baking time is up, remove the foil to let the cheese brown lightly and the faces stand out. That final touch is when you’ll really see the jack-o’-lantern magic come alive!

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Pro Tips for Making Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Choosing Peppers: Select peppers with a flat bottom and firm walls to make carving easier and avoid collapse during baking.
Don’t Overstuff: Leave a little space at the top to prevent the filling from bubbling over when cooking.
Drain Tomatoes Well: Excess moisture can make the filling soggy; draining diced tomatoes keeps it just right.
Peppers Stability Trick: If your peppers tip over, trimming the bottoms slightly can save the day and keep them upright in the baking dish.

How to Serve Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

The dish shows several orange bell peppers carved like jack-o'-lanterns with triangular eyes and jagged mouths, each filled with a layer of cooked ground meat topped with melted golden-yellow cheese. The cheese has a slightly bubbly texture and some green herbs sprinkled on top, giving a fresh contrast. The tops of the peppers with green stems are visible, sitting on a white plate with parsley garnishes scattered around. The background is a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright feel to the presentation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the rich filling. A little cracked black pepper on top finishes it off beautifully too.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette or some roasted autumn veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots. If you want something extra cozy, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic bread are fantastic companions to soak up any leftover tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a Halloween party, I’ve arranged these Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers on a platter lined with autumn leaves (real or decorative) and a few miniature pumpkins scattered around. Turning down the lights and lighting some candles nearby really amps up the spooky-happy vibe—your guests will be impressed and delighted!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or pop them into airtight containers and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 3 days. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before reheating so the peppers stay tender.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! I recommend freezing the stuffed peppers without baking them first—wrap each individually in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. This way, they still retain a fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. I avoid microwaving because it can make the peppers a little soggy, but if you’re in a hurry, microwave covered in short bursts with a paper towel to soak moisture.

FAQs

Can I use other colored bell peppers instead of orange for this Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe?

Absolutely! While orange peppers give that classic pumpkin look, red, yellow, or even green bell peppers work just fine. Just keep in mind the festive impact might be a little different without that iconic orange glow.
What if I don’t want to carve the peppers, can I still make this recipe?

Definitely! The carving is mainly for fun and presentation. You can prepare the stuffed peppers without carving and still enjoy the delicious filling and tender baked peppers.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, prepping the filling a day ahead of time is a great way to save time. Just keep it refrigerated and stuff your peppers right before baking.
How do I prevent the peppers from tipping over during baking?

Trim a small slice off the bottom of each pepper to create a flat base—this simple trick stabilizes them and keeps the filling intact while cooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use pure tomato sauce without wheat additives and double-check any spice blends. Rice and ground meat are safe options here.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the perfect mix of festive fun and comforting flavors. It’s a wonderful way to get everyone in the Halloween spirit while serving up a meal that’s genuinely delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these peppers are guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. So go ahead, grab those orange bell peppers, sharpen your knife for some carving fun, and dive into this recipe—you won’t regret it!