*This site contains Amazon Affiliate Link.
Embedded Files
Stuffed Pepper Jack-o-lanterns
Stuffed Pepper Jack-o-lanterns
Plant Based Recipe
These adorable stuffed peppers are the perfect Halloween dinner — festive, fun, and surprisingly easy to make! Each pepper turns into a glowing little Jack-O’-Lantern, filled with a hearty, plant-based rice and soy chorizo mixture. Whether you’re serving these before a night of trick-or-treating or as a cozy fall meal, they’re sure to delight kids and grown-ups alike.
Ingredients:
(Serves as many people as peppers you prepare)
1 large orange bell pepper per person
1 ½ cups cooked rice (jasmine, white, or brown — your choice)
1 cup soy chorizo (or more, depending on taste)
1 cup water (for Instant Pot)
Optional Add-Ins:
Black beans or lentils (for extra protein)
Corn, peas, or diced carrots (for color and texture)
Shredded vegan cheese (for a gooey inside surprise)
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare Your Pumpkins
Wash the orange bell peppers.
Slice the tops off each pepper and set the lids aside.
Carefully remove the seeds and membranes inside.
Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine cooked rice and soy chorizo until well blended.
Add in any optional mix-ins if you’d like a more colorful or hearty filling.
Stuff Your Peppers
Fill each pepper generously with the rice and chorizo mixture.
Gently press the filling down with a spoon so it’s snug.
Carve the Jack-O’-Lantern Faces
Using a small paring knife, carefully carve triangle eyes and a spooky mouth into each pepper, just like you would a mini pumpkin.
Be gentle so the pepper doesn’t tear — slow and steady wins the race!
Set Up the Instant Pot
Place the silver trivet into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
Add 1 cup of water to the inner pot.
Arrange your peppers upright in a heat-safe glass or stainless steel bowl, then place the bowl on top of the trivet.
Put the tops back on your peppers like little pumpkin lids.
Cook the Peppers
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to Sealing.
Plessure cook on High for 10 minutes.
Release the pressure naturally or quick release — either method works.
Serve & Enjoy
Carefully lift the bowl out of the Instant Pot.
Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
Place on a platter and admire your spooky little Jack-O’-Lanterns before digging in!
Helpful Tips
Helpful Tips
Carving Tip: It’s easiest to carve the faces before stuffing the peppers, but you can do it after if you prefer. I goofed on this part when I made them.
Make Ahead: You can prep and stuff the peppers a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge until cooking time.
Leftovers: These reheat well in the microwave or oven — perfect for a next-day spooky lunch.
These Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers aren’t just dinner, they’re a Halloween experience! With their cute carved faces and savory filling, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe a few giggles) to the table. So grab your peppers, carve some spooky expressions, and let your Instant Pot work its magic — dinner is served, Halloween style!
Skip the hassle of running to multiple grocery stores in search of hard-to-find plant-based ingredients—Try Amazon Fresh instead. Now, my pantry is fully stocked for all my cooking needs. If you’re looking to stock up too, Check out Amazon Fresh.
Check out my Learning and Growing Library!
Here, you'll find a collection of my books, including plant-based cookbooks, whimsical coloring books, a journal prompt book to inspire self-reflection, and a unique coloring book planner to keep your days organized and creative. Each book is designed to help you embrace your journey, learn something new, and, most importantly, have fun along the way.
Join the Cooking is Messy Facebook group!
Whether you're new to cooking or a kitchen pro, this is the place to embrace the chaos! Flour flies, dishes stack up, and not every dish is picture-perfect—and that’s totally okay. Share your recipes, wins, fails, and everything in between. Need help or meal ideas? Just ask! We're here to learn, laugh, and cook—mess and all.
Let’s stir it up, one deliciously messy meal at a time!
About The Creator
About The Creator
Hi, I’m Mary Ellen, the creator of the YouTube channel "Life is Messy but I'm Learning as I Grow." I’m thrilled you’re here, joining me on this journey of discovery and creativity! As a mother of two, married to my high school sweetheart, and with a career background in childcare, my life is wonderfully busy and, yes, a little messy—but that's part of the fun.
On this site, I share my favorite things: plant-based cooking, crafting and DIY projects, family-friendly travel tips, gardening advice, and the occasional antics of my two adorable cats. I'm always eager to learn something new and love sharing my discoveries with anyone who will listen—so I’m glad you’re here to listen!
Whether you're looking for inspiration, practical tips, or just a place to connect, I hope you'll find something here that sparks joy and encourages you to learn and grow along with me.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse