Save Halloween Stuffed Pepper Jack O Lanterns are the ultimate way to bring a festive, cozy dinner to your October table. These bell peppers, carved into spooky faces, are stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and melty cheese. They turn any weeknight into a celebration and have become a must cook every year in my kitchen as soon as the weather cools and pumpkins show up at the market.
The first time I made these, my neighbor's children sprinted over when they smelled them baking now everyone wants to help carve or claim a pepper with the goofiest face.
Ingredients
- Large orange or yellow bell peppers: These create bright jack o lanterns and roast up sweet and tender Choose peppers that can stand upright with flat bottoms
- Olive oil: Helps the peppers caramelize as they roast Use the freshest oil for the best flavor
- Ground beef or turkey: The heartiness of the filling comes from this base Pick lean meat for a lighter result or turkey for a softer taste
- Small onion, finely chopped: Boosts savory notes and blends perfectly with the meat Look for firm onions with dry skins
- Garlic, minced: Gives depth and warmth to the filling Fresh cloves taste best for that real garlicky flavor
- Cooked rice, white or brown: Adds bulk and balances the meat Use day old rice for better texture
- Canned diced tomatoes, drained: Their acidity cuts through richness Go for tomatoes with no added salt for more control
- Smoked paprika: Offers a gentle smoky flavor Spanish paprika gives the filling a deep toasted aroma
- Dried oregano: Classic herb for warmth Check freshness rub in your fingers to see if it is still fragrant
- Salt: Needed to bring everything together Use kosher or flaky sea salt if you can
- Black pepper: Freshly ground delivers more bite
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Creamy and sharp this melts on top for extra comfort Use block cheese you shred yourself for the best melt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep Oven:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius so everything is ready to bake once the peppers are stuffed
- Prepare Peppers:
- Slice the tops off each bell pepper Remove the seeds and white membranes from inside With a small sharp knife carefully carve jack o lantern faces on one side of each pepper making classic triangles or silly grins
- Oil and Arrange Peppers:
- Brush the outside of the hollowed peppers lightly with olive oil This gives them shine and helps prevent sticking Place peppers upright in a baking dish making sure they do not tip over
- Brown the Meat:
- Heat a large skillet on medium Add ground beef or turkey and cook stirring and breaking it up until browned and no pink remains about five to six minutes Drain off any excess fat for a cleaner flavor
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned meat Cook gently for two to three minutes Stir often until everything softens and smells sweet
- Mix Filling Ingredients:
- Add the cooked rice drained diced tomatoes smoked paprika oregano salt and black pepper Stir to combine well and cook for two more minutes until everything is heated and mixed evenly
- Add Cheese to Filling:
- Take the skillet off the heat Stir in three fourths cup of the cheddar cheese so it melts and blends into the filling
- Stuff the Peppers:
- Fill each prepared pepper with the warm meat and rice mixture pressing gently to pack the filling up to the rim Top each with extra cheddar cheese for a golden bubbly finish
- Cap and Bake:
- Place the reserved pepper tops on each stuffed pepper Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to help steam the peppers as they bake Put in the oven for twenty five minutes
- Uncover and Finish Baking:
- Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven Bake another ten minutes until the peppers are fork tender and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the peppers rest out of the oven for a few minutes before lifting them onto plates This helps the filling settle and makes serving easier
Save Carving the peppers is as fun as decorating holiday cookies and the family always ends up comparing who made the funniest or scariest jack o lantern each year One of my kids even started saving pepper seeds to grow our own next season
Storage Tips
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator They keep well for up to three days Reheat in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or in the microwave for easy next day meals
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out the ground meat for lentils cooked quinoa or black beans for a vegetarian or vegan option You can also use Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor Mild green chilies make a nice addition if you want to skip smoked paprika and add a touch of heat
Serving Suggestions
Serve the peppers nestled on a bed of leafy greens or with a dollop of sour cream on the side They are perfect alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread If you are hosting a Halloween party let everyone personalize their pepper with different toppings like guacamole or salsa
Save Enjoy serving these Halloween stuffed peppers at your next festive dinner They always bring laughter and warmth to the October table
Kitchen Guide
- → How do you carve a jack-o’-lantern face into a bell pepper?
Use a small sharp knife to carefully cut eyes, nose, and a mouth on one side of each pepper after removing the top and seeds.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute cooked lentils or black beans for the ground meat to make a hearty vegetarian filling.
- → What cheeses work best for the filling?
Cheddar cheese melts nicely, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella are also great options for a creamy texture.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can carve and stuff the peppers a few hours in advance. Bake just before serving for best results.
- → What can I serve with stuffed peppers?
Pair with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free rice and cheese. Always verify ingredient labels for allergens.