When the leaves turn golden and the nights get cooler, I find myself craving recipes that bring comfort, creativity, and just a little bit of Halloween fun into the kitchen. That’s where these Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack O’ Lanterns come in. They’re cozy, colorful, and downright adorable perfect for a family dinner or a Halloween party table.
This dish is more than just cute it’s hearty and nutritious. Bell peppers are carved like pumpkins and stuffed with a savory mix of rice, protein, and veggies. Every year, readers tell me this is a recipe they come back to because it’s fun to make with kids, it’s gluten-free, and it just screams fall.
If you love playful food that’s still wholesome, or you’re searching for a festive dinner idea that’s naturally gluten-free, you’re going to love what’s ahead. Let’s dive into this autumn favorite.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack O’ Lanterns
Equipment
- Sharp paring knife for carving jack-o’-lantern faces
- skillet for sautéing vegetables and making filling
- spoon for scooping out seeds
- baking dish for baking the stuffed peppers
- aluminum foil for covering peppers while baking
Ingredients
- 4 large orange bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, finely chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils or ground meat substitute (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or dairy-free alternative
Instructions
- Cut the tops off each bell pepper and scoop out the seeds and membranes.Using a small sharp knife, carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into each pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.Add zucchini and mushrooms, cooking until soft. Stir in cooked lentils, tomato sauce, rice, and seasoning. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Fill each carved pepper with the warm filling. Top with shredded cheese. Place in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil.Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until peppers are tender. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients for Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack O’ Lanterns
Before we get into the carving and stuffing, gather everything you need for these little edible pumpkins.
Ingredients:
- 4 large orange bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 zucchini, finely chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils or ground meat substitute (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or dairy-free alternative
You’ll also want a small, sharp paring knife for carving. This is where the fun begins!
For another colorful and hearty gluten-free meal idea, check out this recipe for sweet potato and black bean bowls.
Step by Step Instructions
1. Carve Your Peppers
- Cut the tops off each bell pepper and scoop out the seeds and membranes.
- Using a small sharp knife, carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into each pepper. Think triangle eyes and toothy grins just like a pumpkin!
2. Make the Filling
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add zucchini and mushrooms, cooking until soft. Stir in cooked lentils (or ground turkey), tomato sauce, rice, and seasoning.
- Let simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Fill each carved pepper with the warm filling. Top with shredded cheese.
- Place in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
- Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
If you enjoy savory Halloween dinners like this, you might also love this baked parmesan-crusted chicken.
Tips for Success
Make-Ahead Friendly:
Stuff the peppers up to a day in advance and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven.
Carving Tip:
Use a dry towel to hold the pepper while carving it helps prevent slipping.
Soft Peppers? No Problem:
If your peppers are too firm after baking, add 1/4 cup of water to the baking dish and cover tightly with foil for a more steamed effect.
For a time-saving meal idea during busy fall evenings, try this one-pan lemon herb salmon.
Variations You’ll Love
Gluten-Free (Always!):
This recipe is naturally gluten-free no swaps needed.
Add Protein:
Use shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground beef for a meatier version. If you liked this, you might enjoy my protein-rich easy chicken and veggie lunch boxes.
Try a Streusel Topping (Yes, Really!):
For a unique twist, mix gluten-free breadcrumbs with a bit of olive oil and Italian seasoning for a crunchy topping.
Dairy-Free?
Use vegan mozzarella or skip the cheese altogether. The filling is flavorful on its own.
Another cozy dish for fall? My gluten-free lasagna soup brings warmth in a bowl.
Storage and Leftover Ideas
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezer:
Stuffed peppers freeze well. Wrap each in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Leftover Filling?
Use it as a base for stuffed zucchini or serve it over greens for a warm fall salad. For more hearty veggie-packed ideas, see these easy gluten-free dinner recipes.
FAQs about Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack O’ Lanterns
Can I use red or yellow peppers instead of orange?
Absolutely! Orange just gives it that pumpkin look, but any color works.
What’s the best way to get kids involved?
Let them scoop out the peppers and draw their jack-o’-lantern designs for you to carve.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes! Stuffed peppers freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re cooled and wrapped tightly before freezing.
Can I make this spicy?
Sure. Add chili flakes to the filling or use a spicy tomato sauce for heat.
Conclusion
Stuffed Bell Pepper Jack O’ Lanterns aren’t just a meal they’re a seasonal celebration. They bring warmth, whimsy, and nourishment to the table, and they’re perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. Whether you’re gluten-free or just love a creative fall dinner idea, this recipe is one to bookmark.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet to follow, I recommend pairing it with a batch of mini gluten-free vegan apple muffins for the perfect Halloween night feast.