Halloween Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Bell Peppers

Nothing says Halloween dinner quite like these festive and flavorful Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Bell Peppers. Adorable to look at and delicious to eat, they turn a classic stuffed pepper into a spooky showstopper. With carved jack-o’-lantern faces, bright orange color, and a hearty Tex-Mex filling, these peppers bring playful fun to your Halloween table — perfect for parties, family dinners, or a themed spooky feast.

The magic starts with the carving. Each bell pepper becomes a tiny edible pumpkin, complete with a jack-o’-lantern grin. The filling inside is a flavorful mix of ground beef or turkey, black beans, corn, rice, and melty cheese — all seasoned with zesty taco spices. Every bite is satisfying, warm, and bursting with color and texture.

This dish balances its whimsy with serious comfort food appeal. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main course, yet still light enough to pair with sides like chips, salsa, or a green salad. The combination of protein, veggies, and cheese makes it a wholesome, complete meal that everyone — from kids to adults — will love.

These peppers are also surprisingly easy to prepare and assemble. You can carve them ahead of time, stuff them just before baking, and have a festive Halloween dinner ready in under an hour. Their playful jack-o’-lantern faces make them the perfect way to bring creativity into your kitchen while celebrating the spooky season.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Serves 6
• Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 orange bell peppers (or a mix of orange, red, and yellow)
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sour cream, avocado, or salsa for serving

Instructions:

See Next Page =>