Name: Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o’-Lanterns
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 orange bell peppers; 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken); 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste

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These stuffed bell pepper jack-o’-lanterns are a fun and festive way to enjoy a hearty meal while celebrating the fall season. Sweet bell peppers are carved like pumpkins and filled with a savory, comforting stuffing that makes them as delicious as they are adorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these stuffed peppers bring a touch of Halloween spirit to the dinner table while still being wholesome and satisfying. I enjoy the balance of tender peppers with a flavorful filling that can be customized to my taste. They make a festive centerpiece, and I like how easily they can be adapted for both kids and adults. Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o’-Lanterns

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Orange bell peppers
Ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
Cooked rice
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Tomato sauce
Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works well)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning or herbs of choice

Directions

I start by cutting the tops off the orange bell peppers and removing the seeds and membranes.
I use a small paring knife to carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into the sides of the peppers.
In a skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
I add ground beef and cook until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
I stir in cooked rice and tomato sauce, letting it simmer for a few minutes.
I spoon the mixture into the hollowed peppers, pressing down gently to fill completely.
I place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, sprinkle cheese on top, and cover loosely with foil.
I bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, uncovering in the last 10 minutes to let the cheese melt and bubble.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, so I can have a festive meal ready in under an hour.

Variations

I sometimes swap the beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor. If I want a vegetarian option, I replace the meat with black beans, corn, and extra veggies. For a spicy kick, I add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese. I also like trying quinoa instead of rice for a healthier twist. Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-o’-Lanterns

storage/reheating

I store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I cover them with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or I microwave them in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the peppers and stuffing a day in advance, then bake them just before serving.

Do I have to carve faces into the peppers?

No, I sometimes leave them plain if I want a simpler presentation, but the jack-o’-lantern design is a fun seasonal touch.

What type of peppers work best?

I prefer orange bell peppers for the pumpkin-like look, but red or yellow peppers work just as well.

Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes, I freeze them after baking. I wrap them tightly and store for up to 2 months, then reheat in the oven straight from frozen.

How do I keep the peppers from getting soggy?

I make sure not to overbake them and avoid adding too much liquid to the filling to keep the peppers tender but not mushy.

Conclusion

I find stuffed bell pepper jack-o’-lanterns to be a perfect mix of festive fun and hearty comfort food. They bring joy to the table and are just as customizable as they are delicious. Whether I’m serving them for a Halloween dinner or simply enjoying a cozy fall night, these peppers always make me smile.