These fun Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed peppers are perfect for Halloween! Bright orange peppers are filled with a tasty mix of rice, beans, and cheese, making them a hit with everyone.
They look so cute on the table, and I love that they are easy to make. Just scoop out the tops, fill them up, and bake. A spooky twist on dinner that kids will love! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orange Bell Peppers: These are essential for that Jack-O’-Lantern look! If you can’t find orange ones, yellow or even red peppers can work. Just remember that they won’t have the classic Halloween vibe, but they’ll still taste great!
Rice: I usually use white rice, but brown rice is a fantastic healthy option! You can even substitute with quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb choice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Black Beans: If you’re not a fan of black beans, you could replace them with pinto beans, chickpeas, or even lentils. They all add protein and texture to the filling.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to because it melts beautifully. However, feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant. Just look for cheese that melts well.
How Do I Carve the Perfect Jack-O’-Lantern Faces?
Carving faces into peppers can be tricky, but with a little patience, you can do it! Start with fresh, firm peppers for easy carving. Here’s how:
- Using a small paring knife, gently cut out the eyes and mouth. Don’t cut too deep; you just want to create the design.
- Be creative! Faces can be spooky or silly—let your imagination run wild.
- To make the faces clearer, you might suggest lightly scoring the carved area. This adds depth and makes them pop!
Remember, if you’re not happy with your first attempt, simply cut off the top and start again! Practice makes perfect!
Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 3 large orange bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Pepper tops (to keep as “hat” on the stuffed peppers)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare and another 35 minutes to bake, so you’ll be chowing down in about an hour! A fun and festive dinner, perfect for Halloween gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for your stuffed peppers.
2. Prepare the Peppers:
Cut the tops off the orange bell peppers and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes inside. Save the tops for later; they’ll make cute “hats” for your Jack-O’-Lanterns!
3. Carve Fun Faces:
Using a small paring knife, carve fun Jack-O’-Lantern faces into the outside of each pepper. Get creative with your designs—spooky or silly—it’s all part of the Halloween fun!
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
5. Mix the Filling:
Add in the black beans, drained corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3 minutes until heated through. This is the tasty filling for your peppers!
6. Combine Rice and Cheese:
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the cooked rice plus half of the shredded cheese. Mix well so everything is combined perfectly.
7. Stuff the Peppers:
Take the filling and gently pack it into each of the hollowed peppers. Make sure they’re well filled and standing upright!
8. Ready for the Oven:
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Top each with the remaining shredded cheese for that melty goodness.
9. Add the “Hats”:
Put the reserved tops back on the peppers like little hats to complete the Jack-O’-Lantern look!
10. Bake Them Up:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the peppers are nice and tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Cool and Serve:
When they’re done, pull them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll be too hot to eat right away!
12. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro right before serving. Dive into these festive Jack-O’-Lantern stuffed peppers and enjoy a spooky Halloween meal!
Happy cooking and enjoy your spooky feast! 🎃
Can I Use Different Colored Peppers?
Absolutely! While orange peppers give that classic Jack-O’-Lantern look, you can use yellow, red, or even green peppers if you prefer. Just keep in mind that green peppers have a slightly different flavor.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble the peppers, simply stuff them and bake as directed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. They make for a tasty meal the next day!
What Are Other Filling Options?
If you want to mix things up, feel free to add cooked ground meat, different beans, or veggies like zucchini or spinach to your filling. You can customize the spices as well for an extra kick!