Halloween is the perfect time to bring creativity into the kitchen, and these Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Peppers are both festive and delicious. With their carved faces and hearty filling, they serve as a show-stopping centerpiece for spooky gatherings while delivering comfort food flavors everyone will love. 

Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Peppers 🎃

Ingredients

• 4 orange bell peppers (for carving) 🍊
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) 🍚
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey (or a meat substitute) 🍖
• 1 cup black beans (cooked and drained) 🖤
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen) 🌽
• 1 cup salsa 🍅
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon cumin 🌿
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) 🧀
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish) 🌿
• Optional: sour cream (for serving) 🥄

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice off the tops of the orange bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Using a paring knife, carve playful or spooky jack-o’-lantern faces into the peppers. 🎃 This step transforms your dish into a Halloween-ready creation that doubles as décor.

2. Make the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned, draining any excess fat. Add the cooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors blend into a savory, slightly smoky mixture. 🌶️🍅

3. Stuff and Assemble: Take the skillet off the heat and mix in half the shredded cheese. Fill each carved pepper generously with the mixture, pressing it down so every bite is hearty. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a gooey, golden finish. 🧀

4. Bake to Perfection: Stand the peppers upright in a baking dish. Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the dish to prevent dryness, then cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, remove the foil, and continue baking 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. 🔥

5. Garnish and Serve: Allow the peppers to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness, and offer sour cream on the side for creaminess. 🌿🥄 Each bite delivers a balance of cheesy, zesty, and smoky flavors tucked inside a festive pepper shell.

Tips and Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Use lentils, quinoa, or a meat substitute instead of ground beef/turkey.
• Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for a fiery kick. 🌶️
• Customize the filling: Swap rice for quinoa, or add chopped zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
• Cheese lovers: Mix in cream cheese or pepper jack for an even richer, gooier texture.
• Kid-friendly option: Carve happy or funny faces instead of spooky ones, making them fun for all ages. 🎃

Storage and Make-Ahead

These peppers can be prepped ahead for stress-free hosting. Assemble them up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until baking. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for 2–3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. For longer storage, freeze the stuffed peppers without baking, then thaw overnight and bake fresh the next day.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these stuffed peppers with a crisp garden salad, tortilla chips with guacamole, or roasted sweet potatoes for a complete Halloween feast. Pair with apple cider or a themed cocktail to make your gathering even more festive.