Halloween is not just about sweets and candy—it’s also the perfect time to bring spooky creativity into savory dishes. Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Beef are a festive, hearty, and nutritious dinner idea that doubles as holiday décor.

Sweet orange bell peppers are carved like miniature pumpkins, filled with a flavorful beef and rice mixture, then baked until tender. Not only do they look like little glowing lanterns on your dinner table, but they also deliver comforting flavors with every bite. This dish is festive enough to be the star of a Halloween party, yet wholesome enough to be a family-friendly weeknight dinner.

Why We Love This Recipe

We love this recipe because it combines creativity with comfort food. The carved peppers add a fun, spooky element that makes everyone—kids and adults alike—smile before digging in. The filling of seasoned ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese is flavorful and satisfying, while the peppers add natural sweetness.

It’s a great way to serve a balanced meal in a unique and festive presentation. Best of all, it’s customizable—you can switch up the filling to suit your taste, making it a versatile go-to for the season.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with a savory twist. Instead of just indulging in candy, this recipe gives you a wholesome meal that still captures the spooky spirit. It’s ideal for families with kids, Halloween potlucks, or even a themed dinner with friends.

It looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make, and it provides a festive, nutritious centerpiece that balances out all the sweet treats of the holiday.

Recipe Details:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 4 stuffed peppers
• Calories: ~350–400 per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Peppers:

• 4 large orange bell peppers (for the Jack-O’-Lantern look)

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or marinara)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Quick Directions:

1. Carve bell peppers into Jack-O’-Lanterns.
2. Cook beef, onion, and garlic; stir in rice, tomato sauce, and seasoning.
3. Stuff peppers with filling, top with cheese.
4. Bake until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. Use a small sharp knife to carve Jack-O’-Lantern faces into the sides (triangles for eyes, jagged mouth, etc.).
4. Brush peppers lightly with olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
4. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Remove from heat and mix in half the shredded cheese.

Step 3: Stuff and Bake

1. Spoon filling into each hollowed pepper.
2. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
3. Place peppers upright in a baking dish with a little water at the bottom (to steam).
4. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and peppers are tender.

How to Serve

Serve the peppers hot, on a platter, with their carved faces glowing. Pair them with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. They make a fantastic Halloween dinner centerpiece.

Tips for the Recipe:

• Use orange bell peppers for the pumpkin look, but red, yellow, or green work too.
• Don’t carve the faces too big, or filling may spill out.
• Add extra veggies like corn, zucchini, or spinach to the filling for nutrition.
• Use parchment paper or foil to prevent peppers from sticking to the baking dish.

Variations:

• Vegetarian: Use black beans, lentils, or quinoa instead of beef.
• Mexican-Inspired: Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and top with pepper jack cheese.
• Breakfast Version: Fill with scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese.
• Cheesier Version: Stir cream cheese into the filling for extra creaminess.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Freeze stuffed peppers (cooked or uncooked) for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

• Sharp paring knife (for carving faces)
• Large skillet (for filling)
• Baking dish (to hold peppers upright)
• Foil (for baking cover)

FAQ:

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the fridge, then bake before serving.

Q2: Do I have to carve the peppers?
No, carving is optional. You can simply cut off the tops, stuff, and bake them as traditional stuffed peppers.

Q3: What kind of rice works best?
Any type—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Q4: Can I use another protein instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even plant-based crumbles work well.

Conclusion

Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Beef are the ultimate savory Halloween recipe—festive, hearty, and fun. They take the comfort of classic stuffed peppers and elevate them with a spooky, seasonal twist that will delight kids and adults alike. Perfect for a Halloween dinner, potluck, or themed gathering, these peppers are flavorful, customizable, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re carving them for fun or enjoying them as a wholesome meal, this dish is sure to light up your table and satisfy your appetite.