These fun Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed peppers are perfect for Halloween! They look cute with their carved faces, and they’re filled with tasty rice, beans, and spices.
It’s like eating a little pumpkin! I love serving these at parties—they’re a hit and a great way to get everyone smiling. 🎃 Plus, they’re easy to make and so colorful on the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: I love using orange or yellow peppers because they brighten up the dish. If you can’t find these colors, red or even green peppers work too, but keep in mind that green peppers have a slightly more bitter taste.
Ground Turkey or Beef: Ground turkey is leaner, which I prefer for a lighter version. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, feel free to use black beans or quinoa instead for a hearty filling.
Rice: I recommend using white or brown rice. If you’re in a hurry, pre-cooked rice packs can be a time saver! Cauliflower rice can also be an excellent low-carb substitute.
Cheese: While I enjoy a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for flavor and stretch, you can substitute with any cheese you have on hand—like pepper jack for a spicy kick! Vegan cheese is great if you’re dairy-free.
How to Carve Your Jack-O’-Lantern Peppers Without a Hitch?
Carving faces into your peppers can seem tricky, but with a little patience, it’s super fun! Start by slicing the tops off carefully, making sure not to go too deep into the pepper.
- Use a small, sharp knife for carving. Draw or imagine simple faces to make it easier!
- Be cautious while cutting the sides; try to create small holes for eyes and a bigger one for the mouth to avoid breaking the pepper.
- Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—each pepper will have its own unique personality!
Try to keep a steady hand and work slowly. This is a great time to get creative with the designs, so have fun!
Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 6 large orange or yellow bell peppers
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey or ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 35 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend around 50 minutes from start to finish, including the time to bake the peppers! It’s a great activity to get you into the Halloween spirit.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Peppers:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating, go ahead and carefully slice the tops off the bell peppers, discarding the tops. Scoop out the seeds and membranes from inside the peppers. Then, use a small knife to carve Jack-O’-Lantern faces on each pepper. Have fun with this step—get creative with your designs!
2. Parboil the Peppers:
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, gently add your carved peppers and boil them for about 3 minutes. This helps them soften a little. Carefully take them out and set them aside in a colander to drain.
3. Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. After that, add the ground turkey (or beef), breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and cooked through.
4. Mix in Flavor:
Now, stir in your cooked rice, marinara sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is mixed well and heated through—this will be the delicious filling for your peppers!
5. Stuff the Peppers:
Remove the skillet from heat. Grab your boiled peppers and gently spoon the meat and rice mixture into each pepper, filling them generously and pressing down slightly to pack it in. Top each one with a good amount of shredded cheese.
6. Bake the Stuffed Peppers:
Place your stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, and cover it loosely with foil. Bake them in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is nicely melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take your stuffed peppers out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. And there you have it—your festive, flavorful Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are ready to be enjoyed!
Happy cooking, and enjoy sharing these delightful treats!
Can I Use Different Colored Peppers?
Absolutely! While orange and yellow peppers give the best Halloween vibe, red or even green peppers work fine as substitutes. Just keep in mind that green peppers have a slightly more bitter flavor.
Can I Make These Stuffed Peppers Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply replace the ground turkey or beef with black beans, lentils, or quinoa. You can also load them up with extra veggies for a hearty, plant-based filling.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or bake them in the oven until warmed through. You might want to add a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra gooeyness!
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just stuff the peppers and bake them when you’re ready to serve, adding a little extra baking time if the filling is cold.