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Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-O’-Lanterns

Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-O’-Lanterns – Festive, Flavorful, and Frightfully Fun

Turn your dinner table into a Halloween masterpiece with these Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-O’-Lanterns! Each bright orange bell pepper is carved into a smiling pumpkin face, then stuffed with a hearty blend of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and melted cheese. They’re spooky on the outside, comforting on the inside — the ultimate way to celebrate the season with a meal that’s both playful and delicious.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Jack-O’-Lantern Peppers
  • 6 large orange bell peppers
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste
For the Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • ½ cup tomato sauce plus extra for topping

Equipment

  • Sharp knife (for carving)
  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Foil
  • Spoon for stuffing

Method
 

Prepare the Peppers
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
  3. Using a small knife, carefully carve Jack-O’-Lantern faces into the sides. Brush the outsides lightly with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook the Filling
  1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and mix in half of the shredded cheese.
Stuff the Peppers
  1. Fill each pepper with the meat and rice mixture. Place them upright in a lightly greased baking dish. Spoon a little extra tomato sauce on top of each pepper, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake
  1. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
  1. Let cool slightly before serving so the faces hold shape. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a festive Halloween dinner!

Notes

Make ahead: Prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate. Stuff and bake when ready to serve.
Spooky tip: Use red or yellow bell peppers for variety and carve different expressions for fun!
Vegetarian version: Swap the beef for cooked quinoa or black beans.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.