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Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe·5 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking for a festive yet hearty dish to brighten up your fall or Halloween table, you’re going to love this Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe. It’s not only a feast for the eyes with adorable pumpkin faces, but each pepper is packed with a flavorful, comforting filling that’s sure to please the whole family. I remember the first time I brought these to a Halloween gathering—everyone was immediately drawn to the clever presentation and kept coming back for seconds. Let me walk you through how to nail this recipe and maybe add your own little touches along the way.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Festive Presentation: Carving jack-o’-lantern faces into bell peppers instantly adds Halloween charm that draws everyone in.
  • Balanced Flavor: The savory turkey, seasoned rice, and beans deliver hearty satisfying flavors with a comforting touch.
  • Simple Technique: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, it’s accessible for cooks of any skill level.
  • Customizable: You can easily swap proteins, spices, or add veggies to personalize the filling to your taste.
This image shows six stuffed yellow bell peppers arranged closely in a white baking dish on a white marbled surface. Each pepper has its top cut off and carved with small triangle and circle shapes to look like Jack-o'-lantern faces. The peppers are filled with a textured mixture of rice, black beans, and other small ingredients, topped with melted, slightly browned cheese covering the filling. The bright yellow peppers have a smooth, shiny skin, and the melted cheese adds a creamy contrast on top. The overall scene is warm and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe uses familiar ingredients that come together in a way that’s comforting but fun. The orange bell peppers make a perfect “pumpkin” base, and the filling blends protein, rice, and beans for a meal that’s both hearty and nourishing. Don’t skip the cheese on top—it adds creamy melty richness that pulls everything together.

  • Orange bell peppers: Choose firm, bright orange peppers—they’re your edible pumpkin and canvas for carving faces!
  • Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness when sautéing onions and turkey, and helps develop flavor.
  • Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and aroma, softening nicely in the pan to build the base of the filling.
  • Lean ground turkey: A lighter protein option that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
  • Garlic: Just a little punch of garlic wakes up the flavor, so don’t skimp on it.
  • White basmati rice: I love basmati for its fluffy texture and how well it soaks up the tomato sauce.
  • Black beans: Provide fiber and protein, making the filling more substantial and nutritious.
  • Tomato sauce: Adds moisture and a tangy richness that marries all the flavors together.
  • Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that keep the flavor simple and familiar but deliciously herbaceous.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance every ingredient.
  • Shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully on top, making each bite creamy and cheesy—my favorite part!
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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your preferences or pantry staples. Whether you’re swapping out the meat, experimenting with beans, or mixing up the cheese, making it your own is part of the fun!

  • Variation: I sometimes use ground beef instead of turkey for a richer, heartier flavor, especially when cooking for a hungry crowd.
  • Vegetarian option: Swap the turkey with extra beans, mushrooms, or a plant-based crumble for a meatless version that’s just as satisfying.
  • Spices: If you want a bit of a kick, add some smoked paprika or chili flakes—perfect if you like things a little spicy.
  • Cheese swap: Pepper Jack cheese adds a lovely spicy melt if you prefer a cheese with a bit more personality.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Peppers – Jack-O’-Lantern Style

First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, carefully cut the tops off each orange bell pepper and use a small paring knife to remove the ribs and seeds. Now for the fun part: carve simple jack-o’-lantern faces on one side of each pepper. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert—simple triangle eyes and a toothy grin go a long way! Once carved, place the peppers upright in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pro tip: Save the tops to chop and toss into your filling for extra flavor and no food waste.

Step 2: Sauté the Filling

Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Toss in the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften. Add minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds longer—garlic burns fast, so keep it moving! Next, add in the ground turkey and cook for another 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon so it browns nicely. This step builds great flavor with those lovely browned bits.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer the Filling

Stir in the cooked basmati rice, rinsed black beans, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for about 3 to 5 more minutes, until the rice starts absorbing the tomato sauce, creating a cohesive filling. Remove from heat—this mixture is your delicious stuffing ready for those jack-o’-lantern peppers.

Step 4: Stuff, Top, and Bake

Spoon a heaping amount of the rice and turkey mixture into each carved pepper. Don’t be shy—make them full and generous. Then, top each pepper with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese. Pour about 1 ½ cups of water around the peppers (not inside them) in the baking dish to keep the peppers moist as they bake. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the peppers soften slightly but still hold their shape. Keep an eye so they don’t get too mushy—you want a nice tender bite!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Pepper Selection: I pick the plumpest, brightest orange bell peppers—sturdier peppers stand up better during baking and make carving easier.
  • Don’t Overcook: Watch your peppers while baking; they should be tender but still hold their shape for the best texture and presentation.
  • Use a Sharp Knife: For carving faces, a small sharp paring knife is a game-changer in making clean cuts without squashing the pepper.
  • Water Bath Trick: Pouring water around the peppers (not inside) helps steam them gently so they soften evenly without drying out.

How to Serve Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Three orange bell peppers are sitting on a white plate; each bell pepper is hollowed out and carved like a jack-o'-lantern with triangular eyes and a jagged mouth, showing layers of stuffing inside made of rice and beans that have a reddish tint. The top part of each pepper is placed back on as a lid, slightly tilted. On one pepper at the front, a small black plastic spider sits on the lid. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and the background is blurred with white lace details. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to finish these stuffed peppers with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime can add a nice tangy contrast that complements the warm, cheesy filling perfectly. If you like heat, scatter a few sliced jalapeños on top before baking for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple green salads or roasted veggies tossed in olive oil and herbs. I also like to serve it alongside some garlic bread or corn on the cob for a complete, satisfying meal that’s easy to love. For a lighter touch, a crisp apple slaw adds a sweet crunch that balances the savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, set these stuffed peppers on a platter lined with autumn leaves or scattered mini pumpkins for instant festivity. You can even add LED tealight candles inside a few hollowed-out peppers (without filling) for a safe, glowing jack-o’-lantern centerpiece. Kids especially enjoy helping carve the faces—turn it into a fun kitchen activity before baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffed peppers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the peppers and the filling together so flavors meld even more overnight. Just be gentle when reheating to preserve the pepper shape.

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing these stuffed peppers after baking. Wrap each pepper tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop them into a 350°F oven covered with foil so the cheese doesn’t burn and the peppers reheat evenly. About 15-20 minutes does the trick. You can also microwave them, but the oven method really preserves the texture and flavor best.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Simply replace the ground turkey with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, extra beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. You can add more veggies like zucchini or bell pepper to boost flavor and texture. The recipe is very flexible, so feel free to get creative!

  2. How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too soggy?

    To avoid sogginess, be sure not to overbake the peppers. Keep an eye on the bake time and remove them once they’re tender but still hold their shape. Also, pouring the water around the peppers (and not inside) helps steam them gently without making the filling watery.

  3. Can I prep these ahead of time without baking?

    Yes! You can chop, carve, and stuff the peppers a day ahead then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the water to the pan and bake as directed. This makes it easier to manage time on busy days or for entertaining.

  4. What other cheeses work well for this recipe?

    Besides cheddar and Colby Jack, pepper Jack, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack melt nicely and add different flavors. Pick a cheese you enjoy—feel free to mix a couple types for extra depth.

Final Thoughts

This Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe is one of my favorite ways to celebrate fall—it’s festive, tasty, and doable no matter your cooking level. I’ve seen how it gets smiles from kids and adults alike, and how those cute faces turn a simple dinner into something special. Give it a try this season—you’ll have a fun activity carving the “pumpkins” and a delicious meal waiting at the end. I can’t wait for you to try it and possibly make it your family’s new Halloween tradition!

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Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 24 minutes
  • Total Time: 39 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a festive and flavorful Halloween-themed dinner featuring carved orange bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, rice, black beans, herbs, and topped with melted cheese. This fun and delicious dish is perfect for fall celebrations and family meals.

Ingredients

Peppers

  • 8 orange bell peppers

Filling

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 ¼ cups diced yellow onion (about 1 large onion)
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups white basmati rice, cooked according to package instructions
  • 15.5 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping

  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400 F to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
  2. Prepare peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers. Using a small paring knife, carefully remove the ribs and seeds inside each pepper. Then carve jack-o-lantern faces on one side of each pepper to add a festive touch. Place the peppers upright in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Cook aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
  4. Cook turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, breaking apart the meat with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until it is browned and cooked through.
  5. Make filling: Stir in cooked basmati rice, black beans, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice starts to absorb the sauce. Remove the skillet from heat.
  6. Stuff peppers: Spoon a heaping amount of the rice and turkey filling into each prepared bell pepper.
  7. Add cheese and water: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese evenly on top of the filling in each pepper. Pour 1 ½ cups of water around the peppers in the baking dish to help them steam and soften while baking.
  8. Bake: Bake the filled peppers uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the peppers begin to soften.

Notes

  • Turkey substitution: Ground beef or ground chicken can be used instead of ground turkey for varied flavors.
  • Rice alternatives: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice may be used in place of basmati rice.
  • Add vegetables: Sauteed mushrooms or zucchini can be added to the filling for extra texture and nutrition.
  • Bean swap: Use any type of beans you prefer instead of black beans, such as pinto or kidney beans.
  • Seasoning options: Italian seasoning can replace the oregano and basil for a slightly different herb profile.
  • Cheese variation: Pepper Jack or mozzarella can be used as alternative cheese toppings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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