Spooky Sweet Bell Pepper Jack-o’-Lanterns for Halloween

Halloween is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen, but I love turning the traditional into the unexpected. These stuffed bell peppers, carved into cheerful jack-o’-lanterns, combine playful presentation with savory flavors in a way that delights both kids and adults.

The smell of roasted peppers mingled with melting cheese fills the air, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere. It’s a project that feels nostalgic yet fresh—perfect for a gathering that’s equal parts fun and flavorful. Plus, the vibrant orange of the peppers screams Halloween with every bright, inviting glow.

Stuffed Jack-o’-Lantern Bell Peppers

This dish features bell peppers carved into cheerful jack-o’-lantern shapes, then filled with a savory mixture of cooked rice, seasoned ground meat, vegetables, and cheese. The peppers are roasted until tender and the cheese is melted, resulting in a colorful, festive presentation with a warm, meaty filling and a slightly crispy top.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 large bell peppers preferably orange for Halloween theme
• 1 cup cooked rice white or brown, cooked and cooled
• 1/2 pound ground meat beef, turkey, or chicken
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup cheese shredded cheese cheddar or similar
• 2 tbsp olive oil olive oil
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully carve Jack-o’-lantern faces into each, creating cheerful, pumpkin-like expressions. Remove seeds and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This fills the kitchen with a warm aroma.
3. Add ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir in the cooked rice to the meat mixture, combining everything evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Spoon the savory filling into each carved pepper, pressing gently to fill completely and ensure the mixture stays inside during roasting.
6. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each. Position the pepper tops back in place if desired.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden-brown color.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. The peppers will have a vibrant orange color with melted cheese on top, ready to be enjoyed.

And after the trick-or-treat chaos, they serve as a simple, satisfying meal that captures the spirit of Halloween. The blend of roasted smell, savory filling, and cheerful faces makes this dish memorable and heartwarming for everyone around the table.