The BEST Jack O’ Lantern Stuffed Peppers (Easy Halloween Recipe!)

Hey everyone! It’s your favorite foodie from scooks.com, and I am SO excited for Halloween season. There’s just something magical about the crisp air, the spooky decorations, and of course, the fun food! If you’re looking for the perfect festive dinner to serve before the trick-or-treating chaos begins, you’ve absolutely come to the right place. This jack o lantern stuffed bell peppers recipe is a total showstopper. It’s fun, it’s delicious, and the whole family can get in on the action. You get to play with your food and eat it! What could be better? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive & Fun: Seriously, how cute are these? They’re part dinner, part edible craft project. It’s the best way to get everyone excited and into the spooky spirit of Halloween.
• Hearty & Healthy: Don’t let the adorable faces fool you! These guys are packed with good-for-you ingredients like lean protein, veggies, and rice. It’s a satisfying, well-rounded meal that’ll fuel your little ghosts and goblins for a long night of candy hunting.
• Kid-Approved: My kids absolutely devour these. They love helping to carve the little faces (with supervision, of course!) and there’s something about eating a ‘pumpkin’ that makes the veggies disappear. It’s magic!
• Super Customizable: This recipe is incredibly forgiving. Whether you’re vegetarian, low-carb, or dairy-free, I’ve got you covered with easy swaps. Everyone gets to enjoy the fun.
• Perfect for Parties: Hosting a Halloween bash? These are the ultimate main course. They look incredible on a serving platter and will have all your guests snapping photos before they dig in.

Read Also: Best Halloween Dinner Ideas for 2025 (Easy & Spooky Recipes)

Ingredient List

For the Jack-O’-Lantern Peppers

• 4 large Orange Bell Peppers: Note: Look for blocky peppers that can stand upright. Any color works, but orange is just so festive for the occasion!
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Note: For brushing the peppers to help them soften up a bit while baking.

For the Savory Filling

• 1 lb Lean Ground Beef: Substitution: Ground turkey, ground chicken, or a plant-based crumble work beautifully for a vegetarian option.
• 1 small Yellow Onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Cooked Rice: Substitution: Feel free to use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a fantastic low-carb alternative.
• 1 (15 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce or Marinara
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

For the Cheesy Topping

• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese: Substitution: Use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese for a vegan/dairy-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Jack O Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the “Pumpkins”

1. Cut the Tops: Let’s get carving! Slice the tops off the bell peppers, just like you would with a real pumpkin. Don’t toss those lids—set them aside for later.
2. Clean: Scoop out and discard all the seeds and white membranes from inside the peppers. You want a nice, clean shell.
3. Carve: Now for the best part! Using a small, sharp paring knife, carefully carve your favorite jack-o’-lantern faces into one side of each pepper. Get creative!
4. Pre-Bake: Brush the outside of your carved peppers with a little olive oil. Place them standing up in a baking dish and pop them into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 15 minutes. This gives them a head start on getting tender.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Brown the Meat: While the peppers are in the oven, get a large skillet going over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or your substitute), diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it’s no longer pink. Be sure to drain off any excess grease.
2. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. That smoky paprika is my secret touch—it adds such a great depth of flavor!
3. Simmer: Season everything with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This lets all those amazing flavors meld together.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Stuff the Peppers: Carefully pull your pre-baked peppers out of the oven. Spoon that delicious meat and rice mixture evenly into each pepper, packing it in gently.
2. Arrange in Dish: Place the stuffed peppers back into the baking dish. You can tuck the little pepper “lids” right next to them in the dish to bake alongside. Pour about 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the dish—this creates steam and helps the peppers cook perfectly.
3. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the peppers to be perfectly tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Serve

1. Melt the Cheese: Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Now, generously sprinkle that shredded cheese right over the filling in each pepper.
2. Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven for just another 5 minutes or so, until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly.
3. Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes because they’ll be hot! You can place the pepper “lids” right on top or serve them on the side. They’re ready to wow your family!

Baker’s Tips for Success

• Pick the Perfect Pepper: I always spend a few extra minutes in the produce aisle looking for peppers that are wide and have a flat bottom. It really helps them stand up straight and not topple over in the oven! If one is a bit wobbly, you can carefully slice a paper-thin layer off the bottom to create a stable base.
• Don’t Overcook: Trust me on this one. That initial 15-minute pre-bake is the key. It ensures the peppers are tender but not mushy by the end. Nobody likes a sad, slumpy pepper.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: I’m all about a good kitchen hack. You can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. On Halloween night, all you have to do is carve, stuff, and bake! So easy.
• Carving Safely: A small, sharp paring knife is your best friend here. Simple shapes like triangles for eyes and noses are often the easiest and safest to carve. They look classic and super cute!
• Get the Kids Involved: This is such a fantastic recipe to make with your little ones. Let them draw the faces on the peppers with a dry-erase marker, and then an adult can handle the actual carving. They’ll be so proud to eat what they helped create!

Storage Instructions

• To Store: Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: The best way to bring them back to life is in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed all the way through. You can also microwave them in a pinch, but the pepper will be much softer.
• Freezing: For the best texture, I recommend freezing just the filling. You can freeze the fully assembled peppers, but just be aware that the bell pepper will soften up quite a bit when it thaws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make these Jack-O’-Lantern Peppers vegetarian?
  Absolutely! It’s so easy to do. Just substitute the ground beef with a plant-based crumble, cooked lentils, or a hearty mixture of black beans and corn. Use a dairy-free cheese on top for a completely vegan version!
• What can I use instead of rice for a low-carb option?
  Cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb substitute that works perfectly in this filling. If you’re not strictly low-carb, other grains like quinoa or farro are also delicious alternatives.
• How do I keep my peppers from falling over in the oven?
  The trick is to start with a pepper that has a flat base. If they are still a little unstable, nestle them closely together in a baking dish that is just large enough to hold them snugly. They’ll support each other!
• Can I assemble these ahead of time?
  Yes, which is a lifesaver on a busy day! You can fully assemble the peppers (carved and stuffed) up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover them tightly and pop them in the fridge. You’ll likely need to add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since they’ll be starting from cold.

Happy Halloween Cooking!

I really hope you and your family have as much fun making this jack o lantern stuffed bell peppers recipe as we do. It’s become one of our most cherished Halloween traditions, and I just know you’re going to love it. They bring so much joy and spooky fun to the dinner table!

If you make these spooky stuffed peppers, please leave a comment and rating below to let us know how they turned out! We love hearing from you. And don’t forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram @scookscom!