Halloween Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Bell Peppers
These Halloween stuffed jack-o’-lantern bell peppers are carved like mini pumpkins and filled with a savory taco-style mixture of beef, rice, beans, corn, and melty cheese. They’re festive, hearty, and surprisingly easy to make for both weeknight dinners and Halloween gatherings.
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 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade blend
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese plus extra for topping
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream avocado, salsa
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the peppers, remove the seeds and membranes, and carve jack-o’-lantern faces into the fronts. Brush with olive oil and place in a baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft, then add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned.
- Drain excess fat, stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, and let simmer for 5 minutes. Mix in cooked rice and 1 cup shredded cheese until combined.
- Spoon the filling into the carved peppers, pressing gently to pack them. Top with extra cheese, place the pepper tops back on, and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Add sour cream, avocado, or salsa for extra flavor and serve warm.