Name: Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large orange bell peppers; 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 cup cooked white rice; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish; Small sharp knife for carving; Extra cheese for topping

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate fall, I have a treat for you! This Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make around Halloween. It’s like carving pumpkins, but edible and way tastier! Not only do these peppers make a stunning centerpiece with their spooky carved faces, but the filling inside is comforting and packed with flavor. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a family favorite seasonal staple you’ll want to make every year.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun and Festive Presentation: Carving the jack o’lantern faces on the peppers makes this dish perfect for Halloween parties or cozy family dinners.
Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients: The savory meat and rice filling with spices and cheese is comforting but surprisingly easy to pull together.
Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you use beef or turkey, add veggies, or choose your favorite cheese, this recipe adapts to your taste and diet.
A Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prep peppers ahead and bake when guests arrive, making entertaining stress-free.

The image shows four orange bell peppers carved like jack o'lanterns, each filled with a layer of cooked ground meat mixed with sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese that is golden and slightly bubbly, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The peppers are placed on a white plate with some green parsley for garnish, all resting on a white marbled surface. The bell peppers have carved smiling faces visible near their base, showing the filling inside. The lighting highlights the glossy texture of the melted cheese and the juicy, cooked peppers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to this Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe is balancing fresh, simple ingredients that work beautifully together. I recommend picking firm, bright orange bell peppers to get that spooky pumpkin look. Also, cooking your rice ahead helps the stuffing come together smoothly.

Orange bell peppers: Look for sturdy, firm peppers with bright orange skin to carve well and hold the stuffing.
Ground beef or turkey: I usually use beef for extra richness but turkey works great if you want something lighter.
White rice: Cooked and cooled rice adds bulk and texture to the filling.
Onion: Diced and sautéed for sweetness and depth of flavor.
Garlic: Minced to add warmth and aroma.
Diced tomatoes: Drained, they keep the filling moist without watering it down.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Half gets mixed in for gooey richness; the rest goes on top for a beautiful melted finish.
Tomato sauce: Enhances the savory taste and adds moisture around the peppers while baking.
Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle fruity note.
Dried oregano, paprika, cumin: These spices bring warmth and a little kick — don’t skip them!
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring everything together.
Fresh parsley: For a bright, fresh garnish that makes the dish pop on the plate.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the filling to suit different cravings and occasions. Don’t be afraid to get creative—this recipe welcomes your personal touches.

Vegetarian Version: Swap the meat for cooked lentils or a mix of chopped mushrooms and walnuts for a hearty, satisfying veggie filling I personally adore when I want something lighter.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling if you like a little heat—I discovered this trick when friends told me it gave the dish an exciting twist!
Cheese Choices: Try mozzarella or pepper jack instead of cheddar for different melting qualities and flavors. My family goes crazy for pepper jack’s creamy, spicy vibe.
Seasonal Twists: Toss in some cooked butternut squash cubes or kale for extra nutrients and fall flair—my go-to when I want to sneak more veggies in without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Peppers and Carve Your Jack O’Lanterns

Start by cutting the tops off your orange bell peppers, then scoop out all the seeds and membranes so they’re nice and hollow. This is the fun part—grab a small sharp knife and carefully carve little jack o’lantern faces on one side of each pepper. Don’t worry if your faces aren’t perfect; that rustic, handmade look is part of the charm! Set the peppers aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Rice and Brown the Meat

If you haven’t cooked your rice yet, do that now according to package directions so it’s ready and cooled. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat—that helps keep the filling from getting greasy.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic, Then Combine Filling Ingredients

Add diced onion to the skillet with the meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened—about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then add the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, half the shredded cheese, half the tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook together for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers and Prepare for Baking

Stand each pepper upright in a baking dish. If they’re a bit wobbly, trim a tiny slice off the bottoms to stabilize them. Stuff each pepper generously with the meat and rice filling, then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the tops. Pour the remaining tomato sauce around the peppers in the dish, and add about half a cup of water to create steam during baking. Cover the pan tightly with foil.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake your stuffed Jack O’Lantern peppers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape. To get that irresistibly melty, slightly browned cheese, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking. When you take them out, the carved faces will really shine through, and the cheese topping will be perfectly gooey.

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Pro Tips for Making Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Carving Safety First: Use a small, sharp paring knife and take your time; shaky hands happen to me too, but that adds charm!
Don’t Overstuff: Leave a little space at the top of the pepper so the cheese melts nicely without overflowing.
Water for Steam: Adding water to the baking dish prevents peppers from drying out and helps soften them perfectly.
Rest Before Serving: Let peppers cool for about 5 minutes after baking; it makes them easier to handle and the flavors really settle.

How to Serve Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

The image shows a close-up of several orange bell peppers carved like jack-o'-lanterns with triangular eyes and jagged mouths. Each pepper is filled with a layer of seasoned ground meat and topped with a thick layer of melted golden-yellow cheese that spills slightly over the edges. Small green pepper stems remain on top, and they are sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The stuffed peppers are arranged on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface, with some fresh green parsley scattered around them. The warm colors and detailed textures of the melted cheese and meat contrast well with the bright orange peppers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh parsley on top right before serving—it brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note that balances the richness. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra zing if my family is feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This recipe is a whole meal, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted autumn veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls also work well to soak up the tomato sauce around the peppers. You’ll enjoy how well everything complements each other.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, I’ve served these peppers on a tray lined with faux cobwebs and plastic spiders just for fun. You could also place little battery-operated tea lights inside the carved peppers before stuffing them—just don’t bake that way! It creates a spooky glow that makes the presentation unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stuffed peppers covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat them, make sure to warm them gently to avoid drying out the peppers or overcooking the filling.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these peppers on occasion by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through—usually about 25 to 30 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven covered with foil at 325°F for 15-20 minutes to keep the peppers tender and the cheese melty. Microwaving works too if you’re short on time, but I prefer the oven to maintain the texture and flavor best.

FAQs

Can I use other colored bell peppers for the Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe?

Technically yes, you can use any color pepper, but orange bell peppers give the best jack o’lantern appearance. Red or yellow peppers won’t have the same classic pumpkin look, but the recipe will still taste delicious!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground meat with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or chopped mushrooms. Adjust seasoning and cook the filling to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
How do I prevent the peppers from falling over during baking?

If your peppers are unsteady, trim a small slice from the bottom to create a flat surface. This helps them stand upright in the baking dish and keeps the filling inside.
Is it okay to prepare the peppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can carve and stuff the peppers a few hours or even a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Just bring them to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover stuffed peppers?

Reheat in a 325°F oven covered with foil to keep them moist and tender. Microwaving is quicker but can make the filling a little dry or the peppers rubbery.

Final Thoughts

Making these Jack O’Lantern Stuffed Peppers is one of those kitchen projects that feels like an event—not just a meal. I absolutely love the way the carved faces really get everyone excited, especially kids who enjoy helping out. Plus, the combination of savory filling and cheesy topping inside a sweet pepper just hits the spot on a crisp fall evening. I hope you give this recipe a try and have as much fun making it as I do—it’s the kind of dish that brings a little magic (and a lot of flavor) to your table!