These fun Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are perfect for Halloween! Bright orange peppers are filled with tasty rice, beans, and spices, making them both cute and delicious.
My kids love helping to carve their faces on the peppers. Plus, they taste amazing hot out of the oven! Don’t be surprised if they ask for seconds—these little pumpkins are a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: Orange bell peppers not only look like mini jack-o’-lanterns but also taste sweet. If orange ones aren’t available, yellow or even green can work in a pinch—green will be a bit more bitter.
Rice: I prefer brown rice for added texture and nutrition, but white rice is fine too. Quinoa is a great gluten-free substitute!
Beans: Black beans add a nice flavor and texture. If you don’t have them, kidney beans or chickpeas can be used instead.
Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika create wonderful depth. Feel free to adjust based on your taste or even use taco seasoning if you have it.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack can spice things up! If avoiding dairy, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Carve the Perfect Jack-O’-Lantern Faces?
Creating faces on your peppers is a fun part! Start by using a small knife for better control. Here are some tips:
- Draw designs on paper first for inspiration.
- Make shallow cuts to define eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Try simple shapes like triangles for a classic look. Make them different so each pepper has its personality!
- Use the top of the pepper to keep with the pumpkin theme.
The more creative, the better! Just remember to carve carefully to avoid any mishaps. Enjoy this fun Halloween project!
Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large orange bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup cooked black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This entire recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 40-45 minutes for cooking, including baking time. You’ll have a delicious and fun Halloween-inspired meal in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your stuffed peppers.
2. Prepare the Peppers:
Wash the orange bell peppers and cut off the tops carefully, keeping the tops intact. Scoop out any seeds and membranes from inside each pepper. Set them aside for now!
3. Carve Your Jack-O’-Lantern Faces:
Use a small knife to carve playful jack-o’-lantern faces on the sides of the peppers. Get creative with simple triangles for eyes and jagged shapes for the mouths to make them look spooky and fun.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
5. Add Flavor:
Mix in your tomato sauce (or diced tomatoes), ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can blend together nicely.
6. Combine the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, rinsed beans, corn, and the sautéed vegetable mixture. If you’re using shredded cheese, add half of it now. Stir everything together until well combined!
7. Stuff the Peppers:
Gently fill each carved pepper with the prepared rice and bean filling. Press the mixture down lightly to fit it all inside. Place the tops of the peppers back on and set the peppers upright in a baking dish.
8. Add Extra Cheese:
If you love cheese, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the filled peppers for extra melty goodness!
9. Bake!
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the peppers out of the oven, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if you like. Serve warm and enjoy your festive and flavorful Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers!
These delightful stuffed peppers are not just a treat for the eyes, but they are also packed with wholesome goodness, making for a perfect Halloween dinner!
Can I Use Different Colored Peppers?
Absolutely! While orange peppers resemble jack-o’-lanterns best, you can use yellow, red, or green peppers as well. Just note that green peppers can have a slightly more bitter taste than the sweeter varieties.
Can I Prepare the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the filling (rice, beans, and vegetables) a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to make the peppers, just stuff them and bake as directed!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Peppers?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked stuffed peppers. Just prepare them and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer, adding a little extra time to the cooking duration.
