Spooky Stuffed Pepper “Pumpkins” Recipe
Introduction
Add a festive twist to your next family meal or Halloween gathering with Spooky Stuffed Pepper “Pumpkins”! These playful, vibrant orange bell peppers are carved into jack-o’-lantern faces and loaded with savory, hearty flavors, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Not only are they visually impressive, but they also deliver a comforting blend of rice, vegetables, and protein—perfect for a nutritious and memorable meal.
The Fun and Flavor of Spooky Stuffed Pepper “Pumpkins”
This recipe transforms classic stuffed peppers into a showstopping dish that captures the spirit of Halloween. The gentle sweetness of roasted bell peppers pairs with the warmth of seasoned filling, creating a wholesome meal with just the right amount of fun. Whether used as a main course or a centerpiece, these edible “pumpkins” are sure to bring smiles and plenty of flavor to your table.
Crafting the Perfect Stuffed Pepper Filling
The filling is where the magic happens—customize it to your family’s taste or dietary needs! Start with a base of cooked rice or quinoa, then add savory ground turkey, beef, or a plant-based alternative. Fold in diced onions, tomatoes, corn, and black beans for color and nutrition. A sprinkle of shredded cheese and your favorite spices (think cumin, chili powder, or Italian herbs) ties everything together. The mixture is then spooned into the hollowed-out peppers, making each bite a delicious surprise.
How to Carve and Stuff Pepper “Pumpkins”
Begin by carefully slicing off the tops of your orange bell peppers and removing the seeds and membranes. Use a small, sharp knife to carve fun jack-o’-lantern faces in the side of each pepper. Fill each carved pepper with the flavorful mixture, top with a little extra cheese, and replace the “lid.” Bake until the peppers are perfectly tender and the filling is golden.
Ways to Serve Up Spooky Stuffed Pepper “Pumpkins”
Present these peppers upright on a platter to show off their festive faces. Serve with a simple green salad, a dollop of guacamole, or a scoop of salsa to round out the meal. For extra Halloween flair, pair them with roasted “witch’s fingers” (carrot sticks) or a monster-themed dip. These stuffed peppers are both an eye-catching centerpiece and a delicious, satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 4 stuffed pepper “pumpkins.” Each stuffed pepper, depending on your filling choices, contains approximately 300–400 calories, providing a balanced source of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and vitamins A and C from the bell peppers. It’s a festive way to get kids excited about eating more veggies!
Spooky Stuffed Pepper “Pumpkins” Recap
These spooky peppers delight with their playful presentation and customizable, nutritious filling. The blend of flavors and family-friendly fun make them an irresistible addition to your seasonal meal rotation, perfect for weeknights or Halloween parties.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—ideal for efficient grocery trips and stress-free meal planning.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers (save the tops) and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Using a small paring knife, carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into one side of each pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add ground turkey, beef, or plant-based alternative. Cook until browned and crumbly.
- Stir in cooked rice, tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Mix well, heat through, then remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese.
- Spoon the filling into the prepared peppers, packing gently. Top each with a sprinkle of extra cheese. Replace each “lid.”
- Arrange peppers upright in the baking dish. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish (to help steam the peppers), cover loosely with foil, and bake for 30–35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy your spooky creation!
Weekly Meal Planning
These stuffed pepper “pumpkins” are excellent for make-ahead dinners and festive meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to automatically add it to your meal calendar, plan your grocery trips, and streamline dinner prep all week long.
Planning Benefits:
- Instantly calculates ingredient amounts across all your planned meals
- Organizes your shopping list by store section for faster, easier shopping
- Reduces food waste by combining ingredients used in multiple recipes
- Keeps meal prep on track and stress-free
Pro tip: Schedule multiple recipes in CookifyAI to consolidate ingredients—making your Halloween week grocery run a breeze, so you never forget a key item for your spooky peppers or any other festive treats!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes