Mini Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Mini Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a fun and festive way to bring some Halloween spirit to your table. These little orange peppers are carved like tiny pumpkins, making them as…
By Ava
•
•
Reading time: 6 min
Mini Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a fun and festive way to bring some Halloween spirit to your table. These little orange peppers are carved like tiny pumpkins, making them as cute as they are tasty. Inside, they’re filled with a flavorful mix of seasoned rice, veggies, and sometimes cheese or meat, which makes every bite comforting and satisfying.
I love making these peppers with my kids because carving the faces is almost as fun as eating them! It’s a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen, and the bright colors instantly brighten up the Halloween party spread. I usually prepare the filling ahead of time so that all we have to do is carve and stuff the peppers right before baking.
These mini stuffed peppers are perfect served alongside a simple green salad or some crunchy garlic bread. I find they make a great centerpiece for a Halloween dinner or snack table that both kids and grown-ups enjoy. Plus, they’re pretty easy to customize—swap in your favorite stuffing ingredients to make them just right for your family. It’s a recipe that always gets smiles and a little spooky delight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Bell Peppers: These cute orange and yellow peppers make perfect “mini pumpkins.” If you can’t find small ones, regular bell peppers cut into smaller sections work too. Red or orange peppers keep the festive look.
Ground Beef or Turkey: Ground beef adds rich flavor, but turkey is a lighter choice. For a vegetarian option, swap in cooked lentils or crumbled tofu to keep the filling hearty.
Rice: Rice gives the filling body and soaks up the flavors well. Brown rice works for a nuttier taste, or quinoa for extra protein and texture.
Cheese: Cheddar melts well and adds a creamy finish. Try Mexican blend for more flavor variety, or use dairy-free cheese if you prefer.
Italian Seasoning & Smoked Paprika: These spices add warmth and depth. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note but can be left out if needed.
How Can You Make the Perfect Jack-O’-Lantern Faces on Peppers?
Drawing on mini peppers with a food-safe marker gives them a spooky look without cutting. Here’s how to do it well:
- Wash and dry the peppers thoroughly so the marker sticks well.
- Use a fine-tip black edible or food-safe marker for clean lines.
- Keep designs simple: triangle eyes and jagged mouths work best on small peppers.
- Draw gently to avoid bruising the pepper skin.
- If you want to carve the faces, carefully use a small knife or paring tool, but be gentle to keep peppers intact.
This step makes the dish festive and fun, plus it’s a great activity for kids before cooking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish – big enough to hold all the peppers upright for even cooking.
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the meat and cooking the filling together.
- Sharp knife – helps cut pepper tops cleanly and safely carve faces if you choose.
- Cutting board – keeps your workspace safe and stable while prepping peppers and veggies.
- Mixing spoon – for stirring the filling ingredients evenly in the skillet.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for cooked quinoa or black beans for a vegetarian-friendly version with great texture.
- Add chopped mushrooms or zucchini to the filling for extra veggie goodness and moisture.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to add a mild spicy kick.
- Mix in cooked sausage or chorizo for a bolder, smoky flavor perfect for meat lovers.
Mini Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 mini orange and yellow bell peppers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Black food-safe marker or black edible marker (for jack-o’-lantern faces)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, including chopping and drawing faces, and about 25 minutes for baking. Plan on around 40 minutes from start to finish for a delicious festive dinner or snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peppers:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the mini bell peppers, then carefully slice off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Using a black food-safe marker, draw fun jack-o’-lantern faces on the sides of the peppers. Set them aside.
2. Make the Filling:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Mix in cooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through. Remove from heat and stir in half the shredded cheese.
3. Stuff and Bake the Peppers:
Spoon the filling into each hollowed-out pepper generously and place them upright in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Put the pepper tops back on for a charming presentation. Bake for 20-25 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if you like. Serve warm and enjoy your festive Mini Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers!
Can I Use Frozen Peppers for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh mini bell peppers for this recipe, as frozen peppers tend to be softer and may become mushy when baked. If you only have frozen, fully thaw and drain them well before stuffing, but expect a softer texture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to keep the filling flavorful and hearty.
Can I Prepare These Peppers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed peppers and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the peppers tender and cheese melty.