Name: Stuffed Jack-O'-Lantern Bell Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 orange bell peppers; 1 pound ground beef; 1 egg; 4 slices whole wheat bread, cubed; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 small tomato, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup chili sauce; ¼ cup yellow mustard; 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper

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A spooky and satisfying twist on a classic dish, these Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Bell Peppers are filled with a savory ground beef mixture and baked until tender—perfect for Halloween dinners or festive fall gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fun and festive presentation – Carved peppers look like mini jack-o’-lanterns and make any meal more exciting.
Hearty and flavorful – Packed with seasoned ground beef, garlic, onion, and chili sauce for rich taste.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and steps for a creative dish that feels special without the hassle.
Great for entertaining – Kids and adults alike will love the playful look and satisfying flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 orange bell peppers
1 pound ground beef
1 egg
4 slices whole wheat bread, cubed
1 small onion, chopped
1 small tomato, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chili sauce
¼ cup yellow mustard
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 11×17-inch baking dish.
Mix the filling
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, bread cubes, onion, tomato, garlic, chili sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix lightly to combine—avoid overworking the meat.
Prepare the peppers
Wash the bell peppers. Using a paring knife, carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into each pepper: triangle eyes and noses with jagged smiles. Slice off the tops and scoop out seeds and cores.
Stuff the peppers
Fill each pepper loosely with the beef mixture. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish so they support each other and stand upright.
Bake
Place in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the peppers are tender and the beef is fully cooked.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 6 stuffed peppers
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 1 hour
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Protein switch: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for variety.
Cheesy twist: Add shredded cheese to the beef mixture or sprinkle on top in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Add grains: Mix in cooked rice or quinoa to stretch the filling and add texture.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili powder or hot sauce for heat.

Storage / Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap each cooled pepper tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use different colored peppers?

Yes, red or yellow bell peppers work just as well and add visual variety.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prep and stuff the peppers up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

3. How do I keep the peppers upright?

Stand them close together in the baking dish or use crumpled foil to support them.

4. Can I skip carving the faces?

Absolutely—the carving is fun but optional. The recipe works just as well without it.

5. What’s a good side dish?

Serve with mashed potatoes, green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

6. Can I add cheese inside?

Yes—mix shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the filling for added richness.

7. Is chili sauce spicy?

Most chili sauces are mild and sweet, but you can adjust based on your preference.

8. How do I know the filling is done?

The internal temperature should reach 160°F and the peppers will be soft to the touch.

9. Can I use breadcrumbs instead of bread cubes?

Yes—use ½ cup breadcrumbs as a substitute for the cubed bread.

10. How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread or omit it and add a binder like cooked rice or oats.

Conclusion

These Stuffed Jack-O’-Lantern Bell Peppers are a fun, festive, and filling dinner that brings seasonal spirit to your table. With a savory beef mixture inside carved bell peppers, they’re a hit for Halloween or any fall occasion. Want to try a vegetarian twist or explore flavor variations? I’m here to help!

Maggie