Get ready for a spooktacular dinner that’s both fun and flavorful! These Halloween Stuffed Peppers bring a touch of whimsy to your table, with cheerful jack-o’-lantern faces grinning up at you. I first made these adorable stuffed peppers years ago for my kids’ Halloween party, and they were a huge hit. They’re so easy to assemble and bake, making them perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.
Filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, orzo, and tomatoes, these peppers offer a complete and satisfying meal. The melted cheese topping adds a touch of richness, while the carved pepper faces add a playful touch. Whether you’re looking for a creative Halloween dish or simply a delicious way to enjoy bell peppers, these Jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers are sure to be a winner.
Fan-Favorite Reasons
These Halloween Stuffed Peppers are a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Festive and Fun: The jack-o’-lantern faces make them perfect for Halloween parties or a spooky weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The savory filling, melty cheese, and sweet bell peppers combine for a balanced and delicious meal.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a breeze to put together, even for novice cooks.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Bell peppers are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile: Adapt the filling to your liking by adding different spices, vegetables, or protein sources.
Halloween Stuffed Peppers
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
These festive Halloween Stuffed Peppers are a fun and flavorful way to celebrate the spooky season. Filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, orzo, and tomatoes, topped with melted cheese, and carved with cheerful jack-o’-lantern faces.
Ingredients
- Bell Peppers (orange and green)
- Olive Oil
- Onion
- Ground Beef
- Diced Tomatoes
- Tomato Sauce
- Orzo
- Chicken Stock
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper
- Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Instructions
- Prep the Peppers: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash peppers, cut off tops, remove seeds.
- Carve the Faces: Carve jack-o’-lantern faces into the peppers.
- Sauté the Onion and Beef: Sauté diced onion in olive oil until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Simmer the Filling: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, orzo, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until orzo is tender.
- Add Cheese and Fill the Peppers: Stir in 1 cup of cheese into filling. Fill peppers and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Place peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Notes
For even cooking, choose bell peppers that are roughly the same size. If you like a spicier filling, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive Halloween Stuffed Peppers:
- Bell Peppers: Choose a mix of orange and green bell peppers for a vibrant presentation.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions and ground beef.
- Onion: Adds flavor and aroma to the filling.
- Ground Beef: The base of the savory filling.
- Diced Tomatoes: Contribute to the richness and texture of the filling.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds depth and sweetness to the sauce.
- Orzo: A small pasta shape that cooks quickly and absorbs the delicious flavors.
- Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and enhances the flavor of the filling.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian touch.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the filling to perfection.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack are excellent choices.
You’ll find some variations in the next section if you’d like to swap these ingredients for something similar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash the bell peppers and cut off the tops, reserving them for the lids. Carefully remove the seeds and membranes, ensuring the peppers are clean.
Step 2: Carve the Faces
Using a small paring knife, carve jack-o’-lantern faces into the peppers. Get creative with different expressions!
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
Step 4: Simmer the Filling
Return the pan to the stove and add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, orzo, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Fill the Peppers
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese into the filling. Carefully spoon the filling into the prepared peppers, mounding it slightly. Top each pepper with the remaining shredded cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Place the filled peppers and their lids in an oven-safe casserole dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Smart Tips & Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use ground chuck instead of lean ground beef.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked orzo or rice.
- To prevent the peppers from tipping over during baking, place them snugly in a baking dish or use crumpled foil to support them. For more great tips like this, check out our guide on roasting vegetables.
- Add a touch of heat by mixing in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling.
Make It Your Way
- Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute, lentils, or black beans.
- Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- Cheesy: Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby.
- Grains: Try quinoa or brown rice instead of orzo.
- Want to try something completely different? Check out our Dinner category for more inspiration.
Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with Halloween stuffed peppers?
These stuffed peppers pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Absolutely! You can freeze both cooked and uncooked stuffed peppers. Allow them to cool completely, wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.
How do I reheat leftover stuffed peppers?
Reheat individual peppers in the microwave or bake them in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also slice them and pan-fry them in a little olive oil until warm and slightly crispy.
Make It a Meal
Serve these Halloween Stuffed Peppers alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, also complement the flavors of the dish beautifully. Looking for something lighter? Try pairing them with a simple tomato soup. For more easy dinner ideas, try our collection of quick and easy dinner recipes.
Final Thoughts
These Halloween Stuffed Peppers are more than just a meal; they’re a fun and creative way to celebrate the spooky season. They’re sure to bring smiles to your table and become a new family tradition. Don’t forget to share your spooky creations with us! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Pinterest. Enjoy, and happy haunting! For another great Halloween treat, try our popular Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes.
