Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers I’m Obsessed With This Fall Dinner

Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are perfect for Halloween and beyond. The combination of tender bell peppers filled with hearty, flavorful stuffing makes every bite a celebration of the season’s best ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking for a unique family meal, these stuffed peppers will quickly become a weeknight go-to.

Why I Can’t Stop Making These Cookies

• Quick win: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or fall gatherings.
• Flavor twist: Spiced filling with hints of garlic, onion, and a touch of smoky paprika adds warmth.
• Pantry-friendly: Uses staple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Kid-friendly: Kids love the fun Jack-O’-Lantern faces and mild flavors.
• Seasonal appeal: Vibrant orange peppers and festive faces bring the Halloween spirit to the table.

What Type of Bell Peppers Should I Use?

For the best Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers, choose firm, fresh orange or yellow bell peppers. These colors work brilliantly for spooky faces and hold their shape well when baked. Look for peppers with smooth skin and no soft spots.

If you must use frozen peppers, be sure to thaw completely, drain well, and pat dry to avoid soggy fillings. Fresh peppers always deliver better texture and flavor, but frozen is fine in a pinch if handled carefully. Avoid dried peppers for this recipe as they won’t hold the juicy stuffing or carve well.

Options for Ingredient Alternatives

• Swap butter for olive oil or avocado oil for a lighter stuffing mix.
• Use ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils instead of ground beef for different protein options.
• Substitute shredded cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or vegan cheese for preferred meltiness.
• Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk in the stuffing for dairy-free needs (chill coconut oil first if using).
• Fresh tomatoes can replace canned diced tomatoes for a brighter taste, or use fire-roasted for more smoky depth.

The Biggest Challenges While Baking

• Avoid overstuffing those peppers; too much filling can lead to uneven cooking or spills.
• Carving the Jack-O’-Lantern faces carefully is key—use a small paring knife and work slowly.
• Ensure peppers are dry before stuffing to prevent sogginess; pat them with a paper towel if necessary.
• Bake uncovered to let steam escape, keeping peppers tender but not mushy.
• If your filling looks dry before baking, add 1 tablespoon of broth or water at a time to reach the right consistency.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

You can store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the pepper tender.

To freeze, place cooled stuffed peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen stuffed peppers keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

You can also prepare the filling ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for 1–2 days before assembling and baking.

Estimated Nutrition

For the entire batch (about 4 large stuffed peppers):

• Calories: 1,200–1,400
• Protein: 80–100 grams
• Fat: 60–70 grams
• Carbohydrates: 70–80 grams

Per serving (1 stuffed pepper):

• Calories: 300–350
• Protein: 20–25 grams
• Fat: 15–18 grams
• Carbohydrates: 17–20 grams

These numbers vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes, but give a general sense of this hearty fall dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 large orange bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef (450 g) or preferred ground meat
• 1 cup cooked rice (185 g)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained (240 ml)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (115 g), plus extra for topping
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 C).
2. Prepare the peppers by cutting off the tops and carefully carving Jack-O’-Lantern faces with a small knife. Remove seeds and membranes; rinse and pat dry.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it is browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, cooked rice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until well combined and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese gently.
6. Stuff each pepper generously with the filling, pressing down lightly. Place peppers upright in a baking dish. Top with extra shredded cheese if desired.
7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas

• Add cooked black beans or corn to the stuffing for extra texture and nutrients.
• Use mini bell peppers and skip carving for a kid-friendly appetizer version.
• Serve with sour cream or guacamole on the side for creamy dips.
• Underbake by a few minutes for softer, gooier cheese centers.
• Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of hot sauce to brighten flavors.
• Make ahead by preparing and stuffing peppers, then refrigerate before baking.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with lentils or crumbled tofu and add extra spices.

FAQs

Q: Can I use different colored bell peppers?
A: Yes, but orange or yellow are best for that true Jack-O’-Lantern look. Red and green work but won’t be quite as festive.

Q: How do I prevent soggy peppers?
A: Make sure to pat peppers dry well before stuffing and bake uncovered to avoid trapping moisture.

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Use vegan cheese and substitute olive oil for butter, and consider using nondairy milk if your filling requires it.

Save This for Later (Pinterest)

If you love festive meals that bring warmth and fun to your fall table, save this Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers recipe on Pinterest. It’s sure to become a seasonal favorite you’ll make again and again!