Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, festive dinner this Halloween, you’re going to absolutely adore my Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe. These aren’t just any stuffed peppers — they’re adorable little orange jack-o’-lanterns stuffed with a savory, cheesy beef and rice filling that my family literally can’t get enough of. Whether you’re cooking for kids, friends, or just want something fun and delicious on the table, this recipe brings serious charm and flavor. Stick around, and I’ll share all my best tips so you can nail these perfectly tender, tasty peppers every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe work together to create a balance of rich, savory flavors with a touch of sweetness and just enough spice to keep things interesting. When you shop, look for the brightest, firmest orange bell peppers—they’re easier to carve and will hold their shape nicely in the oven.

• Olive oil: For coating the baking dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle flavor.
• Orange bell peppers: Choose large, with smooth skin and vibrant color for the best visual effect.
• Ground beef: I use 80/20 for a good mix of flavor and juiciness without too much fat.
• Cooked rice: Leftover rice works perfectly here, but freshly cooked and cooled rice is just as good.
• Sharp Cheddar cheese: This adds a wonderful tang and melts beautifully inside the peppers.
• Green onions: Thinly sliced for a bit of fresh bite in the filling.
• Salted butter: Melted to enrich the filling with a silky texture.
• Ketchup: Just the right touch of sweetness and acidity to enhance the meat.
• Garlic: Freshly minced—can’t get enough of that flavor punch.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami that really wakes up the beef mixture.
• Ground black pepper: A little heat that complements but doesn’t overpower.
• Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch for a subtle, warming kick.
• Seasoned tomato sauce: Warmed for serving, it keeps the peppers moist and adds a lovely tangy finish.

Variations

I love that you can make this Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe your own based on dietary needs or what’s in your pantry. Feel free to swap out ingredients or tweak the filling for your family’s taste—it’s really versatile and forgiving.

• Vegetarian version: I’ve tried swapping the ground beef for a mix of mushrooms and lentils before, and it worked beautifully as a satisfying meatless option.
• Spicy kick: Adding a little smoked paprika or chili flakes amps up the flavor, which my husband adores.
• Cheese swaps: Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese also melt well and add a different flavor profile if you want to change things up.
• Rice alternatives: Quinoa or cauliflower rice trims carbs and adds different textures—I’ve done both with great results!

How to Make Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Carve Your Peppers

Start by washing your peppers and then carefully cutting the “faces” into the flattest side of each one. I like to use a small, sharp paring knife for precision—you want to create classic jack-o’-lantern eyes, nose, and mouth for that festive touch. Next, cut off the tops, remove all seeds and the white membrane inside. This step can be a little messy, so rinse the peppers under cold water if needed to get all seeds out. Place them in a baking dish coated with olive oil to keep things from sticking during baking.

Step 2: Mix the Savory Filling

In a large bowl, combine your ground beef with cooked rice, sharp Cheddar, green onions, melted butter, ketchup, minced garlic, kosher salt, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and cayenne. I find mixing everything by hand works best—you get a good feel for when the ingredients are well combined. The melted butter is my secret here, as it keeps the filling juicy and flavorful while it bakes.

Step 3: Stuff and Cover

Stuff each carved pepper evenly with the beef and rice mixture. Don’t pack them too tight or they might burst in the oven, but fill them until they’re nice and full. Then, replace the pepper tops as “lids” to keep moisture in during cooking. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil—this helps everything cook evenly without drying out.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 1 hour on the upper center rack. After that hour, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the beef is fully cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the peppers give slightly when poked and the filling is hot and bubbly. If you want a little browning on top, keep an eye during those last minutes and feel free to broil briefly.

Step 5: Serve with Warm Tomato Sauce

Before serving, spoon a few tablespoons of warmed seasoned tomato sauce onto each plate and nestle a stuffed pepper right on top. I always put extra sauce on the side — it’s perfect for dipping or drizzling. This adds a lovely tang and moisture that complements the cheesy, meaty filling perfectly.

How to Serve Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Garnishes

I like to top my stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a bit of brightness. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a little shredded extra sharp Cheddar for indulgence, especially if serving to cheese lovers like my family. And a crack of black pepper on top finishes things off nicely.

Side Dishes

This Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe stands out on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, my go-to is a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted autumn vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes. Garlic bread on the side never hurts either for soaking up that delicious tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a Halloween party, I’ve placed each stuffed pepper on a rustic wooden board surrounded by mini pumpkins and colorful fall leaves for a festive presentation. Another time, I used black plates to make the bright orange peppers really pop — guests thought it was so fun and memorable! You can also light small battery-operated candles nearby (not inside the peppers!) to create a warm, spooky ambiance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffed peppers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’ve reheated them, I find they still taste fresh and moist, especially if you add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce before warming.

Freezing

I’ve frozen uncooked stuffed peppers wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed—adding a bit of extra time if still slightly frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the peppers with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This method helps keep the peppers from drying out. Microwaving works too if you’re in a hurry, but be sure to cover loosely to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whenever Halloween rolls around, I get so excited to make this Jack-o’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe. It’s such a fun way to bring the festive spirit into the kitchen and onto the dinner table. Plus, it’s a recipe that’s genuinely loved by kids and adults alike, which can sometimes be a rare find. If you want to impress guests or just have a memorable family dinner, give this a try—you’ll love how satisfying and easy it is. Once you make it, I have a feeling it’ll become a fall tradition in your home, just like it is in mine!

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