Stuffed Jack-O-Lantern Peppers: Easy Halloween Dinner for Kids

These adorable stuffed jack-o-lantern peppers are a fun and savory Halloween food idea, perfect for an easy Halloween dinner that kids will love. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a festive and wholesome meal that’s sure to bring smiles to the dinner table.

Get ready to create a memorable Halloween meal that’s both delicious and delightfully spooky, without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is designed for busy parents who want to add a touch of holiday magic to their weeknight routine.

Print

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true winner for several reasons, especially if you have little ghouls and goblins to feed! First and foremost, it’s incredibly kid-friendly. The jack-o-lantern faces carved into the bell peppers make dinner an exciting event, and the savory meatloaf filling is a universally loved flavor. It’s perfect for a pre-trick-or-treating dinner, a Halloween party buffet, or just a fun weeknight meal leading up to the holiday. Parents will appreciate how straightforward and quick it is to assemble, using readily available ingredients. It’s a complete meal in one festive package, offering protein, vegetables, and a comforting flavor profile that satisfies everyone.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for these stuffed peppers is a breeze, as most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the ability to adapt it slightly based on what you have on hand.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 medium orange bell peppers
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For simple substitutions, you can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based ground alternative for a different flavor or dietary preference. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even oats can work in a pinch to bind the meatloaf mixture. Any type of milk will do, whether it’s dairy or a non-dairy option. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses; Monterey Jack or a Colby blend would also melt beautifully on top.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed to be quick and efficient, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a pre-Halloween celebration.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating these festive stuffed peppers is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious and visually appealing meal.

1. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Wash your orange bell peppers thoroughly. Carefully slice off the tops of the peppers, about 1/2 inch down, and set them aside. Scoop out and discard the seeds and any white membranes from inside the peppers.
2. Carve the Jack-O-Lantern Faces: Using a small, sharp paring knife, carefully carve simple jack-o-lantern faces into one side of each bell pepper. Think triangles for eyes and noses, and a jagged smile. This is the fun part where the peppers truly come to life!
3. Mix the Meatloaf Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix until all ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
4. Fill the Peppers: Evenly divide the meatloaf mixture among the four carved bell peppers. Gently press the mixture down to ensure the peppers are well-filled but not overly packed.
5. Prepare for Baking: Pour about half of the can of tomato sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the filled bell peppers upright in the baking dish, nestled in the tomato sauce. Spoon the remaining tomato sauce over the tops of the meatloaf filling in each pepper.
6. Bake the Stuffed Peppers: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
7. Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meat is cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C).
8. Serve Warm: Carefully remove the peppers from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

These Stuffed Jack-O-Lantern Peppers are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For kid-friendly options, you can mix a little ketchup or barbecue sauce into the meatloaf mixture for a sweeter, more familiar flavor. If your kids aren’t keen on onions, you can omit them or use onion powder instead.

Consider adding a few finely diced vegetables to the meatloaf mixture, such as carrots or zucchini, for an extra nutritional boost that picky eaters might not even notice. For a spicier kick for adults, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the meatloaf or a dash of hot sauce on top would be delicious.

These peppers make a fantastic centerpiece for a Halloween party buffet. They’re visually appealing and easy for guests to serve themselves. Pair them with a simple green salad, some roasted potatoes, or a side of rice to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. You could even offer a small bowl of extra shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream as optional toppings.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have a few common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will ensure your Stuffed Jack-O-Lantern Peppers turn out perfectly every time.

One common mistake is overmixing the meatloaf filling. When ground meat is overmixed, it can become tough and dense. To avoid this, use your hands and mix just until the ingredients are combined, no more.

Another slip-up can be under-carving the peppers. If the jack-o-lantern faces are too small or not cut deeply enough, they might not be very visible after baking. Don’t be afraid to make the cuts clear and distinct, but still leave enough structure so the pepper holds its shape.

Not seasoning the meatloaf enough can lead to a bland filling. Make sure to taste a small, cooked portion of the meatloaf mixture (you can microwave a tiny bit for 30 seconds) before filling the peppers to adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Finally, overcooking the peppers can make them too soft and mushy. While you want the meat cooked through and the cheese melted, keep an eye on them during the final baking stage to prevent them from becoming overly tender. The peppers should still have a slight bite to them.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

These Stuffed Jack-O-Lantern Peppers are great for making ahead or enjoying as leftovers. To store any leftover cooked peppers, allow them to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can either warm them in the microwave until heated through, or for best results, place them back in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot. The oven method helps prevent the peppers from becoming too soft and maintains a better texture.

If you want to make them ahead, you can assemble the peppers (steps 1-5) up to one day in advance. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes while your oven preheats. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the initial baking time since they are starting from a colder temperature. This is a fantastic way to get a head start on your Halloween dinner preparations!

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use different colored bell peppers?

While orange bell peppers give the best jack-o-lantern effect, you can certainly use red, yellow, or even green bell peppers. The flavor will be similar, but the visual impact will be different.

What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?

You can substitute an equal amount of crushed crackers (like saltines or Ritz) or even quick oats. Just make sure they are finely crushed or ground so they blend well into the meat mixture.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes! You can easily swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative. Ensure you follow the cooking instructions for the specific plant-based product, as cooking times can sometimes vary slightly.

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.