If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and downright delicious recipe that will light up your Halloween table, this Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how playful these stuffed peppers look, and the way they taste? Even better! This recipe is a perfect way to get into the spooky spirit while still serving up a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that both kids and adults will gobble up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun and Festive Presentation: The carved bell peppers instantly bring Halloween vibes to your dinner table with zero fuss.
- Healthy and Customizable: You can easily swap ground turkey or beef, add beans and veggies, making it balanced and flexible to your taste.
- Kid-Friendly Cooking Activity: Letting kids help carve the “jack-o-lantern” faces makes dinner prep a delightful family moment.
- Quick and Easy Cleanup: Baking on foil-lined sheet pans keeps it mess-free, so you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients can make or break this recipe. The combo of orange bell peppers and a techy spicy seasoned meat filling creates a tasty balance that’s fun and satisfying every time I make it.
- Orange bell peppers: Look for sturdy ones with flat bottoms so they stand upright like little lanterns on your baking sheet.
- Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): Adds just the right touch of flavor while browning your meat evenly.
- Ground turkey or ground beef: I usually go with turkey for lighter flavors, but beef adds more richness if that’s your vibe.
- Taco seasoning: This is the magic mix that spices up the filling—feel free to tweak the heat level or use homemade.
- Black beans: Rinsed and drained, they bring protein and keep the filling hearty without being heavy.
- Corn: Fresh, canned, or thawed frozen corn all work great for a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Salsa: I use my favorite jarred salsa, but a chunky fresh tomato one works beautifully too.
- Cheese (cheddar and pepper jack): Divided to melt inside and on top—this combo gives a nice blend of sharpness and kick.
Variations
I’ve played around with this recipe a lot, and I love encouraging you to make it your own! Whether you’re into meatless vs. meat, mild vs. spicy, or even stuffing the peppers with a different grain, there are endless tasty options here.
- Meatless Version: I swapped out the meat for extra black beans and cooked quinoa once, and it was surprisingly hearty and just as flavorful.
- Spicy Twist: Adding a minced jalapeño to the filling turned up the heat for my spice-loving crew without overpowering the kids.
- Cheese Variations: I’ve used mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar/pepper jack and still got ooey-gooey goodness on top.
- Seasonal Fillings: In the fall, I sometimes add diced butternut squash or roasted sweet potato to the filling for a comforting seasonal spin.
How to Make Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Bell Peppers and Preheat Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, wash the bell peppers thoroughly and carefully hollow them out, removing all seeds and membranes. This is where you get to be a little creative—carve fun jack-o-lantern faces right into the peppers. I’ve found that using a small sharp knife or even a paring knife helps make neat shapes, and a spoon or melon baller does wonders for scooping out the insides. Make sure to keep the bottoms level so they sit upright without wobbling in the baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground turkey or beef and brown it, stirring frequently, to break it into crumbly pieces. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning while the meat cooks—that seasoning really wakes up the flavor here! Once browned and fragrant, reduce the heat and stir in the rinsed black beans, corn, salsa, and half of your cheese. Mix everything gently to combine and let the cheese melt into the mixture for a minute or two. This filling is what makes the peppers sing, so giving some time here helps marry the flavors.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake Your Jack-o-lantern Peppers
Spoon the cheesy meat and veggie filling carefully into each carved bell pepper until they’re generously filled but not overflowing. I always line my baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for an easy cleanup (trust me, this saves you loads of time!). Arrange the stuffed peppers upright on the lined baking sheet. Bake them uncovered for 20 minutes so the peppers soften just right and the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Cheese it Up and Finish Baking
After the initial bake, pull out the peppers and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Pop them back into the oven for another 5 minutes, or just until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topper. This final cheesy layer adds that perfect melty finish that everyone at my table always looks forward to.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let your jack-o-lantern stuffed bell peppers rest for about 5 minutes so they firm up slightly and won’t burn your mouth! Then, gather everyone around because these are not only delicious—they’re also an adorable centerpiece that sparks conversation and smiles.
Pro Tips for Making Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Choosing Peppers: I always look for even-sized, tall orange bell peppers with flat bottoms so they stand perfectly—no tilting during baking.
- Avoid Soggy Peppers: Don’t over-bake the peppers; they should be tender but still hold shape—20 minutes uncovered hits the sweet spot.
- Carving Help: If kids want to help with carving, supervise closely and choose simple shapes—they love the creativity and it keeps them engaged.
- Cheese Distribution: Mixing some cheese into the filling and sprinkling more on top ensures meltiness in every bite, making it extra satisfying.
How to Serve Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish these jack-o-lantern stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions. The pop of green adds freshness and a beautiful contrast to the orange and melted cheese. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime on the side transforms the taste experience, too—totally optional but so good.
Side Dishes
These peppers are pretty filling on their own, but I usually serve them with a light side salad or some simple rice like cilantro-lime rice to round out the meal. For a fun autumn twist, roasted sweet potatoes or a bowl of guacamole work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve made this for Halloween parties, I set the jack-o-lantern stuffed peppers on a tray lined with autumn leaves or mini pumpkins. You could also use small battery tea lights inside empty bell pepper tops for glowing “lanterns.” It’s such a hit with kids and instantly festive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pop leftover stuffed peppers into an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. They hold their flavor well, and the peppers stay tender without getting mushy if you don’t overcook them initially.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, I suggest baking the stuffed peppers only until the filling is cooked (before adding the cheese on top). Then, freeze them individually wrapped in foil or plastic wrap. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh cheese before baking at 350°F until warmed and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I pop them in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. This keeps the peppers moist and evenly warmed without drying out the filling. Microwave works in a pinch, but oven reheating brings back that fresh-baked deliciousness.
FAQs
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Can I use bell peppers of other colors for the Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! While orange bell peppers give the classic pumpkin look that’s perfect for Halloween, you can use red, yellow, or green peppers too. Just pick ones that stand upright well. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe?
Yes! Simply omit the ground meat and increase the beans and veggies in the filling or add cooked grains like quinoa or rice for extra texture and protein. Using a bit of smoked paprika or cumin can make up for the savory depth that meat provides.
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How long do I bake the stuffed peppers without drying them out?
Baking uncovered at 350°F for about 20 minutes softens the peppers just right while keeping them firm enough to hold their shape. Adding cheese on top and baking again for 5 minutes melts the cheese nicely without overcooking.
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Can this recipe be made ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! You can prep and stuff the peppers the day before, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake them fresh the next day. This saves you time on the day of the party and ensures warm, fresh results.
Final Thoughts
The Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe has been one of my favorite fall finds because it combines hands-on fun with wholesome, comforting flavors. It brings a little magic to dinner that’s perfect for Halloween, but really, you can enjoy it all season long. I hope you get to try this soon and make it your own — trust me, your family will go crazy for these cute, cheesy, and spicy stuffed “pumpkins.” Happy cooking and spooky eating!
Print
Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 stuffed bell peppers (serves 4-5 people)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers are a festive and fun Halloween-inspired dish perfect for families. Large orange bell peppers are hollowed out and carved like jack-o-lanterns, then filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground turkey or beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and melted cheese. Baked until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, this recipe combines a colorful presentation with delicious, wholesome flavors that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 4-5 large orange bell peppers, preferably with flat bottoms so they can stand upright
Filling
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 1 lb ground turkey or ground beef
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can corn, rinsed and drained or 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite variety)
- 2 cups shredded cheese, divided (cheddar and pepper jack recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the peppers and filling.
- Prepare Bell Peppers: Wash the orange bell peppers thoroughly. Slice off the tops and hollow out the inside by removing all seeds and membranes, creating a cavity for the filling. Set aside.
- Brown the Meat: Heat 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of ground turkey or beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon taco seasoning during cooking for flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Salsa: Once the meat is cooked, reduce heat to medium-low and add rinsed black beans, corn, and 1 cup of salsa to the skillet. Stir to combine and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese to Filling: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and pepper jack) into the meat and vegetable mixture to combine and melt slightly.
- Carve Jack-o-lantern Faces: Use a small knife to carve fun jack-o-lantern faces into the hollowed-out bell peppers. This step can be a fun activity for kids who are old enough to safely use a knife.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the warm meat and cheese filling into each bell pepper cavity, filling them generously.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the stuffed peppers upright on a baking sheet lined with foil or wax paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake the Peppers: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and the filling to heat through.
- Add More Cheese: Remove the peppers from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of each pepper. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy these festive and tasty stuffed jack-o-lantern peppers as a delightful Halloween meal or appetizer.
Notes
- Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms to ensure they stand upright during baking.
- Ground turkey is a leaner option, but ground beef offers richer flavor; choose based on preference.
- Use your favorite salsa for a customized flavor profile; mild, medium, or spicy varieties work well.
- Carving faces is optional but adds a fun and festive touch, perfect for Halloween gatherings.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Leftover filling can be refrigerated and used as taco filling or a dip.
- Make sure peppers are not overstuffed to prevent spilling during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
