Spooky Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-O-Lanterns

Add some Halloween fun to your table with these Spooky Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack O' Lanterns! These adorable peppers are filled with a savory mix of ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and spices, then topped with melted mozzarella and fresh cilantro. Quick and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, they make a wholesome meal perfect for family dinners or spooky gatherings. This playful dish is sure to become a Halloween favorite!

Prep Time: 10 mins   Cook Time: 25 mins

Are you hosting a Halloween gathering or looking for a creative way to make dinner more festive? These Spooky Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-O-Lanterns are the perfect choice! Halloween is all about fun, creativity, and a touch of spookiness, and this recipe brings all of that to your kitchen in a delicious and wholesome way. Whether you're feeding a crowd or treating your family to something special, these bell peppers are guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-O-Lanterns

Packed With Flavor

The magic of this recipe lies in its incredible combination of flavor and presentation. The bell peppers are carved to resemble mini jack-o’-lanterns, giving them a playful, spooky look that’s perfect for the season. Inside, they’re stuffed with a rich and hearty filling made from ground turkey, sautéed vegetables, and just the right blend of spices to bring it all together. Each pepper is topped off with melted mozzarella cheese, which adds a luscious, gooey finish that pairs beautifully with the savory filling. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and brightness—and then, dinner is served!

Fun & Healthy

Beyond their festive appearance, these stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic meal option because they’re both nutritious and easy to make. Bell peppers are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, offering not just great flavor but also a dose of health benefits. The lean ground turkey ensures a boost of protein without excess fat, and the combination of colorful veggies in the filling gives each bite a satisfying texture and taste. Plus, this recipe takes only about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a manageable choice even on busy days.

Preparing these Spooky Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack-O-Lanterns is also an excellent activity to get the whole family involved. Kids will love carving the "faces" into the peppers, turning dinner preparation into a fun, hands-on Halloween project. It's a chance to create some lasting seasonal memories together, all while whipping up a delicious meal. Don’t worry about perfection either—whether the "jack-o’-lantern" faces are scary, silly, or simple, they’ll all look amazing once assembled and baked.

Simple Alterations

This recipe is versatile enough to suit different tastes and dietary needs as well. The filling can be easily swapped for ground beef, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or quinoa, so you can adjust it for your family's preferences. Serve these alongside a crisp salad or some roasted veggies, and you’ll have a complete meal that satisfies on every level.

If you're ready to add some edible Halloween excitement to your table, these Spooky Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack O’ Lanterns are the way to go. They're fun, flavorful, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, they might just become a tradition you look forward to every October! Give this recipe a try and watch as your guests dig in with smiles—and maybe even a few laughs—at this delightfully spooky centerpiece. Happy Halloween cooking!


Recipe

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Yield: 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 red bell peppers
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1⁄2 cup sweet onion, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1⁄2 cup black beans, drained rinsed
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1⁄2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat
    Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  2. Prep the peppers
    Cut the tops off the bell peppers, removing the seeds and membranes. Using a small knife, carve fun or spooky jack-o-lantern faces into each pepper.
  3. Sautee the filling
    In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey with onions over medium heat until browned. Add zucchini, black beans, and spices. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
  4. Stuff the peppers
    Stuff each bell pepper with the filling mixture and place them upright in a baking dish.
  5. Reassemble
    Sprinkle cheese on top of each stuffed pepper and place the tops of the peppers back on.
  6. Bake
    Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
  7. Garnish and serve
    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Nutrition Info:

Serving Size: 1 pepper 1.3 tsp of sugar and 5 servings of protein