One of the most eye-catching and tasty dishes you can serve at your Halloween party or family dinner is Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Bell Peppers. These adorable orange bell peppers are carved to look like mini pumpkins and filled with a savory, comforting meat mixture that will leave everyone impressed.
Not only do they look like glowing jack-o’-lanterns, but they also make for a hearty, nutritious, and fun dinner that both kids and adults will enjoy. In this article, we’ll walk through the detailed recipe for stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern bell peppers.
1. Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Bell Peppers (Serving: 6)
Ingredients
To make six servings of these festive stuffed peppers, gather the following ingredients:
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6 orange bell peppers (look for medium to large ones with a flat bottom so they stand upright)
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1 pound ground beef (lean beef works best, but you can use other meats as well)
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1 egg (helps bind the filling together)
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4 slices whole wheat bread, cubed (acts as a binder and adds texture)
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1 small onion, chopped
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1 small tomato, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup chili sauce
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¼ cup prepared yellow mustard
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3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Wash and dry the orange bell peppers.
Cut off the tops carefully (about half an inch from the stem), then remove the seeds and membranes inside.
Using a small paring knife, carve fun jack-o’-lantern faces into each pepper, just like you would with a pumpkin. Be creative—triangular eyes, jagged mouths, or spooky grins work great! Set the peppers aside.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the peppers to soften without overcooking the filling.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cubed bread, and egg. Mix until just combined.
Next, add the chopped onion, diced tomato, minced garlic, chili sauce, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Then mix everything thoroughly until the filling is well incorporated.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the meat mixture into each carved bell pepper. Fill them generously but avoid overpacking, as the meat will expand slightly during cooking. Replace the pepper tops as little “lids” to complete the jack-o’-lantern look.
Step 5: Bake the Peppers
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a lightly greased baking dish.
Next, add about ½ cup of water to the bottom of the dish to help steam the peppers. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the tops are slightly browned and the peppers are tender.
Step 6: Serve
Carefully remove the peppers from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Place them on a platter for a festive Halloween dinner centerpiece.
2. Tips for Perfect Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Bell Peppers
Choose the right peppers – Pick orange bell peppers that are firm, fresh, and have a flat bottom. This ensures they stand upright and hold the filling well.
Don’t over-carve – Keep your jack-o’-lantern designs simple. If you cut too much, the filling may spill out during baking.
Use lean meat – Lean ground beef reduces excess grease. For variety, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative.
Enhance the filling – Add shredded cheese, cooked rice, or quinoa to the mixture for extra texture and flavor.
Bake with care – Covering the peppers for the first part of baking helps them steam and soften evenly. Removing the foil later allows the tops to brown nicely.
Make ahead option – You can prepare the peppers and filling ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving.
Get creative with serving – Serve them on a bed of lettuce or with spooky Halloween sides like “mummy” breadsticks or pumpkin deviled eggs.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use other colored bell peppers?
Yes! While orange peppers mimic the pumpkin look best, you can also use red, yellow, or even green peppers. They’ll still look festive and taste delicious.
Q2: Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or a mixture of rice, beans, mushrooms, and vegetables. The seasoning and jack-o’-lantern carving will keep the dish fun and flavorful.
Q3: How do I prevent the peppers from toppling over in the oven?
Choose peppers with flat bottoms. If they still lean, nestle them close together in the baking dish or trim the bottoms slightly (without cutting a hole).
Q4: Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, stuffed peppers freeze well. Bake them first, let them cool, and then freeze individually. Reheat in the oven for 20–25 minutes when ready to serve.
Q5: What sides go best with stuffed jack-o’-lantern peppers?
They pair wonderfully with a light salad, garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or festive Halloween snacks like witch’s broomstick cheese sticks.
Q6: How do I know when the peppers are done?
The filling should be fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F / 70°C for beef) and the peppers should be tender but still hold their shape.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Bell Peppers are more than just a meal—they’re a festive experience. Perfect for Halloween parties, family dinners, or even a fun cooking activity with kids, these peppers combine creativity, nutrition, and comfort food in one.
The jack-o’-lantern faces make them a showstopper at the table, while the hearty filling ensures everyone leaves satisfied. Whether you stick to the classic beef filling or get creative with vegetarian versions, this recipe is bound to become a Halloween favorite year after year.
