Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Bell Peppers for Two: A Fun Halloween Dinner Under $9
These jack-o’-lantern stuffed bell peppers turn a classic comfort food dinner into a genuinely festive Halloween centerpiece with just a little extra carving. Orange bell peppers get a simple jack-o’-lantern face cut into the front before being filled with a hearty, well-seasoned mixture of ground beef, rice, and diced tomatoes, then topped with melted cheddar cheese as they bake. The natural orange color of the peppers does most of the visual work here, meaning the carved face is the only extra step required to transform a familiar stuffed pepper dinner into something that looks purpose-built for the season. Once baked, the peppers soften just enough to eat comfortably while still holding their carved shape, delivering a genuinely fun table presentation alongside a satisfying, protein-rich filling. This is an easy way to build some Halloween spirit into a practical, filling dinner for two without needing any special ingredients beyond the peppers themselves. At $8.90 total, this playful dinner proves festive presentation doesn’t require a big budget.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes, then carve a simple jack-o’-lantern face into the front of each pepper using a small paring knife.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned, about 6 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, simmering for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked rice until well combined.
- Stand the carved peppers upright in a baking dish and fill each with the beef and rice mixture.
- Top each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve hot, carved face out.
