Savor the Spooky Delights of Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers 🎃
Embark on a festive kitchen adventure with this Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers recipe, a playful twist on classic stuffed peppers. These bright orange bell peppers are carved into cheerful Halloween pumpkins, then filled with a savory beef and rice mixture that’s hearty and full of flavor. Once baked, the peppers soften into fork-tender vessels that hold a rich, comforting filling, making them the perfect Halloween dinner centerpiece.
Whether you’re preparing a meal for a family gathering, hosting a spooky party, or simply looking to add holiday spirit to dinner, this recipe guarantees both fun and flavor. It’s simple, filling, and absolutely unforgettable. Let’s jump into carving, stuffing, and baking your way to Halloween magic!
Flavorful and Fun: Why Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Shine
This Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers recipe is much more than a themed meal. The filling combines seasoned ground beef, tender rice, and tangy tomato sauce, creating a dish that’s comforting yet festive. Each pepper becomes a mini Halloween lantern that glows with savory goodness.
Not only are they adorable to look at, but they’re also balanced in taste. The spices add warmth, the tomato sauce brings tang, and the rice makes every bite satisfying. Kids love helping carve the pumpkin faces, while adults enjoy the depth of flavors. Pair these peppers with salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread, and you’ll have a meal that’s both spooky and satisfying.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
- Pick the Right Peppers: Choose medium or large orange bell peppers that stand upright on their own.
- Carve Safely: Use a small, sharp knife to create clean Jack-O’-Lantern faces without tearing the peppers.
- Cook the Rice Ahead: Fluffy rice prevents the filling from turning mushy while baking.
- Leave Space for Lids: Don’t overfill—keep a little space at the top for the pepper lids to fit back snugly.
- Bake Covered: Aluminum foil keeps the peppers moist and helps them bake evenly until tender.
Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Equipment: Sharp knife, baking dish, skillet, saucepan
Bring the charm of Halloween into your kitchen with this Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers recipe, a dish that blends festive creativity with delicious comfort food.
Ingredients
- 6 orange bell peppers
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 pound ground beef
- 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 10.75 ounces canned tomato soup
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Cook the Rice: In a pot, combine 1 cup of uncooked rice with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the Peppers: Slice off the tops of the orange bell peppers and remove seeds and ribs. Using a sharp knife, carefully carve Jack-O’-Lantern faces into each pepper. Place them upright in a baking dish.
- Make the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, tomato soup, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 1–2 minutes to let flavors combine.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each carved pepper until nearly full. Replace the tops of the peppers to complete the Jack-O’-Lantern look.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in a 350°F oven for 50 minutes, or until peppers are fork-tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Each pepper is a glowing, savory Halloween masterpiece!
Ready to Relish!
This Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers recipe is more than just dinner—it’s a festive event. Each carved pepper adds charm to your table, while the hearty filling ensures nobody leaves hungry. The balance of beef, rice, and tomatoes is comforting, and the soft roasted peppers bring sweetness to the dish.
Perfect for Halloween night, family dinners, or even themed parties, these stuffed peppers capture the joy of fall and the spirit of creativity. With every bite, you’ll enjoy both the fun of the presentation and the warmth of homemade comfort food.
Storage Solutions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
- Freeze: Wrap each pepper tightly in foil, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and peppers separately, then stuff and bake them just before serving. This saves time during busy holiday nights.
Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 6 orange bell peppers
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 pound ground beef
- 15 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 10.75 ounces canned tomato soup
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a pot, combine 1 cup of uncooked rice with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the Peppers: Slice off the tops of the orange bell peppers and remove seeds and ribs. Using a sharp knife, carefully carve Jack-O’-Lantern faces into each pepper. Place them upright in a baking dish.
- Make the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, tomato soup, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 1–2 minutes to let flavors combine.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each carved pepper until nearly full. Replace the tops of the peppers to complete the Jack-O’-Lantern look.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in a 350°F oven for 50 minutes, or until peppers are fork-tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Each pepper is a glowing, savory Halloween masterpiece!
