Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe – Spooky Halloween Dinner Idea
Introduction Paragraph
Looking for a spooky, savory Halloween dinner idea? These Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are exactly what you need to bring festive fun to the dinner table! Carved orange bell peppers mimic mini pumpkins, and the hearty filling of meat, rice, and cheese makes this dish both fun and filling. It’s a creative twist on a classic that kids and adults will love—perfect for Halloween night before trick-or-treating or a themed dinner party!
🔹 Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4 jack-o’-lantern peppers
🔹 Ingredients List
- 4 large orange bell peppers
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
🔹 Instructions
1. Prepare the Bell Peppers
Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Use a small knife to carve jack-o’-lantern faces into one side of each pepper. Set aside the tops for later use.
2. Cook the Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and heated through.
3. Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the filling into each carved pepper, pressing down gently to pack. Top each with shredded cheese and place the pepper “lid” back on top.
4. Bake the Jack-o’-Lanterns
Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Add 1/4 cup water to the bottom of the dish to keep them moist. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot for a Halloween meal that’s as festive as it is delicious!
🔹 Suggested Add-ons or Toppings List
- Add black beans or corn to the filling
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a twist
- Mix in chopped spinach or zucchini
- Sprinkle with hot sauce for extra spice
- Top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch
🔹 Health Benefits Section
These Halloween-themed stuffed peppers aren’t just for show:
- Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants
- Lean ground meat or turkey provides quality protein
- Brown rice or quinoa adds fiber and nutrients
- Kid-approved veggies hidden in a fun presentation
- Naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free
🔹 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I prep these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare and stuff the peppers up to a day ahead. Refrigerate and bake just before serving.
Q: What’s the best way to carve the faces?
A: Use a small paring knife or craft knife for control. Keep the shapes simple like triangles or squares.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Absolutely—replace the meat with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based crumble.
Q: How do I keep the peppers upright while baking?
A: Use a baking dish with high sides or nestle crumpled foil between peppers to hold them steady.
Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: They’re best fresh, but you can freeze baked stuffed peppers. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
🔹 Nutritional Information Table (per pepper)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Net Carbs | 24 g |
Values may vary based on ingredients used.
🔹 Diet Tags or Labels
Halloween • Kid-Friendly • High Protein • Gluten-Free • Make-Ahead Friendly
🔹 Conclusion
Make Halloween dinner a celebration with these fun and hearty Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers. They combine festive flair with nutritious ingredients, turning a traditional favorite into a Halloween masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making spooky dinner for your family, these peppers will surely steal the show.