Jack-o’-Lantern Mexican Stuffed Peppers: A Spooky, Protein-Packed Halloween Dinner
A little spooky, a lot delicious! These Jack-o’-Lantern Mexican Stuffed Peppers put a festive twist on a classic dinner, with approximately 24g of protein per serving.
Halloween isn't just about costumes and candy. It's also the perfect excuse to have a little fun in the kitchen!
If you're looking for a Halloween dinner that's festive, satisfying, and easy to make for the whole family, these Jack-o’-Lantern Mexican Stuffed Peppers are just the thing.
Packed with rice, black beans, warm Mexican-inspired spices, and melted cheddar cheese, these stuffed peppers deliver plenty of flavor with a fun seasonal twist.
Jack-o’-Lantern Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Total Time: Approximately 60 minutes
Servings: 4 (one stuffed pepper per serving)
Oven Temperature: 350°F
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories: Approximately 447
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fat: 21g
(Nutrition estimates are based on Athli's original recipe and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes)
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers (orange or red work best)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup onion, chopped
¾ cup rice, uncooked
8 oz black beans, drained
8 oz diced tomatoes
1¼ tsp chili powder
1¼ tsp garlic powder
¾ tsp ground cumin
Salt, to taste
8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
How to Make Them
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 350°F and cook the rice according to the package instructions.
Slice the tops off your bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes, keeping the peppers whole.
Using a small paring knife, carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into one side of each pepper. Get creative with your spooky designs!
Step 2: Soften the Peppers
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carved peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes, until slightly softened. Carefully remove, drain upside down, and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–10 minutes, until softened and translucent.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, drained black beans, diced tomatoes, and sautéed onion.
Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Stuff and Bake
Place the peppers upright in a baking dish. Divide the filling evenly among the four peppers, gently packing it inside each one.
Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake uncovered for approximately 30 minutes, until the peppers are tender, the filling is heated through, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Your spooky stuffed peppers are ready to steal the show at dinner!
A Little Halloween Fun Without Overcomplicating Dinner
One of our favorite things about this recipe is how easily it turns an everyday meal into something special.
The combination of rice, beans, vegetables, and cheese makes for a satisfying dinner, while the jack-o’-lantern faces add a playful touch that's perfect for Halloween night.
Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a few friends before heading out for Halloween festivities, this recipe brings a little seasonal fun to the table.
Athli Tip: Short on time? Skip the carving and prepare these as traditional stuffed peppers. You'll get all the same delicious flavors without the extra prep!</p>
More Recipes to Fuel Your Routine
At Athli, we believe balanced nutrition should be enjoyable, approachable, and something you can actually stick with.
That's why you'll find recipes like these Mexican Stuffed Peppers in Athli's in-app meal collection, alongside workouts and programs designed to support your fitness journey
Looking for more meal inspiration? Join Athli for recipes that make eating well feel a little easier (and a lot more delicious).
Comments