If you’re looking for a fun, festive dish that brings a little Halloween magic to your dinner table, then you’re going to adore this Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe. I absolutely love how these bright orange pepper “jack-o-lanterns” come alive with a savory, cheesy filling that the whole family goes crazy for. Plus, it’s so much easier than carving actual pumpkins – no messy pulp, just delicious bites of seasonal goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Carving faces on bell peppers is a safe, no-mess way to get kids involved without the fuss of real pumpkins.
- Balanced and Flavorful: The combo of seasoned meat, black beans, corn, and cheese creates a hearty, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.
- Quick and Easy: From prepping to serving, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights or last-minute Halloween gatherings.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prep the filling in advance, making dinner day stress-free without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Orange bell peppers: Look for sturdy peppers with flat bottoms so they stand upright for baking and serving.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Just a touch for browning the meat and enhancing flavor.
- Ground turkey or ground beef: I prefer turkey for a lighter option, but beef adds a richer taste.
- Taco seasoning: This brings a hint of spice and Southwest flair that pairs perfectly with the filling.
- Black beans: Rinsed and drained to keep things neat and add protein and fiber.
- Corn: Fresh or canned works great; the sweetness balances the savory meat wonderfully.
- Salsa: Your favorite kind here – chunky or smooth, mild or spicy, it all depends on your mood!
- Cheese (cheddar and pepper jack): I love mixing these two for melty, gooey goodness with a hint of kick.
Variations
One of the best things about this Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to fit what you like or have on hand. I often switch it up to keep things interesting.
- Vegetarian version: I swap out the meat for extra beans, diced mushrooms, or cooked quinoa – it’s surprisingly satisfying and hearty.
- Spicy kick: Adding jalapeños to the filling or using a spicier salsa totally amps up the flavor for those who love heat.
- Dairy-free option: I’ve used vegan cheese or left it off altogether and just added extra beans and veggies to fill it out.
- Seasonal produce: Depending on the time of year, I toss in diced zucchini or roasted pumpkin for an autumn twist.
How to Make Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Those Bell Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, wash your orange bell peppers thoroughly and cut off the tops. Hollow them out carefully by removing all seeds and membranes. This part is so satisfying because these peppers will soon look like mini jack-o-lanterns! Pro tip: If your peppers aren’t perfectly flat on the bottom, you can slice a thin layer off so they stand upright securely in the baking dish.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Build the Filling
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns. Once you see it start to sizzle and crumble, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well to coat every bit of the meat. When the meat is fully browned with no pink spots left, add the rinsed black beans, corn, your favorite salsa, and 1 cup of cheese. Stir everything together, lowering the heat to let the flavors meld while you get the peppers ready.
Step 3: Carve the Jack-o-lantern Faces
This is the fun part! Use a small paring knife to carve simple faces into the hollowed-out peppers. My kids love helping here – it’s a creative way to bond and get them excited about dinner. Keep the shapes simple like triangles or smiling mouths for best results. Just carve gently so the peppers don’t break.
Step 4: Stuff and Bake
Now spoon the warm filling into each pepper, packing it gently but not so full it spills out. Arrange the peppers standing upright on a baking sheet lined with foil or wax paper for easy cleanup—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later! Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then pull the tray out and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top of each pepper. Pop them back into the oven for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let your Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving. This little rest lets the cheese set slightly, making them easier to handle – and trust me, no one wants molten cheese on their fingers. These peppers not only look adorable but taste fantastic, bringing a festive touch to your table everyone will enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Choose Peppers with Flat Bottoms: I learned this the hard way when one pepper toppled over mid-bake – cutting a tiny slice off the bottom fixes this instantly.
- Use Warm Filling for Easier Stuffing: Adding the cheese and salsa to the meat while still warm makes the filling stick together better and melt nicely.
- Carve Simple Faces for Best Results: Intricate carvings look cool but can make the peppers flimsy and more prone to falling apart.
- Cover Baking Sheet for Quick Cleanup: I always line mine with foil or parchment paper, making it so much faster to clean up after a fun cooking session.
How to Serve Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these peppers with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro – it adds brightness and a little creaminess that complements the spicy, cheesy inside. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving really wakes up the flavors.
Side Dishes
For sides, I usually serve a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some crispy tortilla chips for crunch. Mexican rice or a quick avocado salsa can also pair beautifully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
One Halloween, I arranged these stuffed peppers on a serving platter lined with fake spiderwebs and little plastic spiders – it was a huge hit at our party and totally Instagram-worthy! You could also present individual peppers on black or orange plates to really get into the spooky spirit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, I tightly wrap leftover stuffed peppers in foil or store them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They usually last 3-4 days, making for convenient next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the filling separately in a sealed container, which thaws quickly on the counter or in the fridge, then spoon it into fresh bell peppers to bake later. Freezing the whole stuffed pepper is trickier because the peppers get soggy, but if you’re careful, it can work too.
Reheating
To reheat, I find baking the stuffed peppers at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes keeps the cheese melty and the peppers firm. Alternatively, the microwave works fine for a quick heat-up but watch out: cheese can get tough if overheated.
FAQs
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Can I make this Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your taco seasoning and salsa don’t contain gluten additives. Always check the labels to be sure.
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What’s the best way to keep the peppers from falling over?
Look for bell peppers with a flat bottom or carefully slice a thin layer off the base so they stand upright. This prevents spilling while baking and looks better on the plate.
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Can I use other colored bell peppers?
You can, but orange ones create the classic jack-o-lantern look. Red or yellow peppers work great taste-wise but won’t have that festive pumpkin vibe.
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Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, just omit the meat and add extra beans or grains like quinoa. You can also use plant-based meat substitutes if you want a similar texture.
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How do I prevent the peppers from getting soggy?
Don’t overstuff the peppers and bake them uncovered to help moisture evaporate. Also, removing the membrane inside the bell pepper thoroughly helps reduce sogginess.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe, I was blown away at how something so simple could also be so charming and tasty. It’s now a Halloween tradition in my home because it brings everyone together—not just for eating, but for carving, laughing, and creating happy memories. I really encourage you to give it a try; whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, this cheerful, cheesy, colorful dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be a Halloween favorite on repeat!
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
- Diet: Halal
Description
Celebrate Halloween with these festive Jack-o-lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers, filled with a delicious blend of seasoned ground meat, beans, corn, salsa, and melted cheese. A fun and spooky twist on stuffed peppers that kids will love helping to make, perfect for an easy and colorful fall dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4-5 large orange bell peppers, preferably with flat bottoms to stand upright
- 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 of your favorite salsa
Other Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (we used cheddar and pepper jack), divided
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash the orange bell peppers thoroughly, then carefully hollow them out by removing all seeds and membranes to create cups perfect for stuffing.
- Cook the Meat Mixture: Heat 1 teaspoon of EVOO in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or beef and brown it, breaking up the meat into crumbles. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning evenly over the meat as it cooks.
- Add Veggies and Cheese: Once the meat is browned and crumbly, stir in the rinsed black beans, corn, salsa, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix well and reduce the heat to low to warm through and combine flavors.
- Carve the Jack-o-Lantern Faces: Using a knife, cut out fun jack-o-lantern faces on each hollowed bell pepper. This step is great for involving kids in the cooking process for some seasonal fun.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the meat and veggie mixture evenly into each carved bell pepper, filling them to the top. Place the stuffed peppers upright on a baking sheet lined with foil or wax paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake the Peppers: Bake the stuffed peppers uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the peppers to soften slightly and the filling to heat through.
- Add the Cheese Topping: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Take the stuffed peppers out of the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Serve warm as a festive and hearty meal perfect for Halloween celebrations.
Notes
- Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms so they can stand upright easily for stuffing and baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or any preferred ground protein.
- Use mild or spicy taco seasoning based on your family’s taste preferences.
- For added flavor, consider adding diced onions or garlic to the meat while cooking.
- This recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking cold peppers.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
