These Mini Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are a fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween with a tasty twist. The bright orange mini bell peppers get carved like little pumpkins, and then they’re filled with a yummy mixture of seasoned rice, veggies, and cheese. They’re not just cute—they’re also full of flavor and a little bit of a surprise in every bite.
I love making these with the family because carving the tiny faces is like doing mini pumpkin art you can eat. It’s a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen and adds a playful touch to our dinner table. Plus, the filling can be changed up however you like, so everyone can enjoy their own favorite flavors.
Serve these little guys up at your Halloween party or as a festive dinner side. They catch everyone’s eye and make the meal feel special without being too scary or complicated. I usually pair them with a simple salad or just enjoy them as a fun, wholesome snack. Something about their cheerful faces always brings a smile before the first bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Bell Peppers: These colorful peppers make perfect little pumpkins. You can use orange, yellow, or green for variety. If mini peppers aren’t available, small regular bell peppers work too—they just might need a bit longer to cook.
Ground Meat: I like using ground beef for a rich flavor, but ground turkey or chicken is a lighter swap. For a vegetarian version, try cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms instead.
Rice: Cooked rice helps give the filling a nice texture and bulks it up. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Feel free to swap with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese if you prefer.
Black Olives: These make the jack-o’-lantern faces “pop” with their dark color. If you’re not a fan, tiny pieces of nori or food-safe markers also work for decorating.
How Do You Carve Mini Peppers Without Breaking Them?
Carving mini peppers for jack-o’-lantern faces is fun but tricky because the skin is thin. Here’s how to do it without breaking the pepper:
- Use a sharp, small knife like a paring knife for precision.
- Cut shallow shapes—don’t cut through completely. The goal is to indent rather than punch holes.
- Work slowly and gently, applying light pressure to avoid tearing.
- If carving is tough, consider using a toothpick or skewer to poke small holes and then connect the dots.
- After carving, insert small chopped black olives into the indentations to highlight the features.
Practicing on a few spare peppers first helps build confidence. The carved peppers don’t need perfect faces—quirky smiles add to the charm!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp paring knife – perfect for carving the tiny jack-o’-lantern faces with control.
- Cutting board – keeps your workspace safe and stable while prepping the peppers.
- Large skillet – great for cooking the filling evenly without crowding.
- Baking dish – holds the stuffed peppers upright and helps them cook evenly in the oven.
- Spoon – handy for scooping and packing the filling into each pepper cleanly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for cooked quinoa and black beans for a filling, hearty vegetarian option.
- Add chopped cooked sausage or chorizo for a spicier, smoky flavor twist.
- Mix in diced mushrooms or shredded zucchini to boost vegetable content and moisture.
- Top with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese to add a sharper or spicier cheese flavor.
Mini Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Peppers and Filling:
- 12 mini bell peppers (orange, yellow, and green)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup marinara sauce or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Black olives (for making jack-o’-lantern faces)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, including carving the peppers and cooking the filling. Then, plan on baking them for 20-25 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. That’s about 40 minutes total from start to finish, perfect for a fun and easy festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peppers:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully cut the tops off the mini bell peppers and remove all the seeds and membranes inside. Keep the tops for later. Use a small knife to gently carve simple jack-o’-lantern faces on the front of each pepper. Cut shallow shapes like triangles for eyes or little smiles but don’t cut all the way through to keep the pepper walls intact.
2. Make the Filling:
Chop the black olives into tiny pieces to fill the carved faces later. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft (about 3 minutes), then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring and breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any extra fat if needed.
Stir in cooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and heat through. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melty and combined.
3. Stuff and Bake the Peppers:
Fill each mini pepper gently but firmly with the beef and rice mixture. Put the tops back on each pepper. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If you want, sprinkle a little extra shredded mozzarella on top of each for a cheesy lid.
Bake the peppers uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are soft and the filling is bubbling with melted cheese.
4. Final Touches and Serve:
Remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Insert the chopped black olives into the carved faces so the features stand out dark and spooky. Arrange the mini jack-o’-lantern stuffed peppers on a serving platter and enjoy your festive and tasty Halloween treat!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Meat for the Filling?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and safely.
Can I Make These Stuffed Peppers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and stuff the peppers a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, simply bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain the peppers’ texture and filling flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Black Olives in the Jack-O’-Lantern Faces?
If you’re not a fan of olives, try using small pieces of nori (seaweed), black beans, or even a food-safe edible marker to draw the faces on the peppers instead.
