About This Recipe

This Keto Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers recipe is where Halloween creativity meets serious flavor. Picture this: glowing orange bell peppers carved into tiny pumpkins, each stuffed with a savory mix of seasoned ground beef, cauliflower rice, and melted cheese. When they come out of the oven, the filling bubbles through the carved faces like molten lava — both creepy and irresistible.

Beyond the visuals, this recipe nails the keto fundamentals. It’s packed with protein, high in healthy fats, and keeps carbs low by swapping traditional rice for cauliflower. The natural sweetness of the orange bell peppers balances perfectly with the smoky spices and rich cheese, giving every bite a cozy fall warmth that feels indulgent without the guilt.

And yes — they’re fun to make. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just want a festive family dinner, these edible “pumpkins” are guaranteed to steal the show. You can prep them ahead of time, carve them however you want (classic smiles or full slasher grin), and bake right before serving.

If you’ve ever wished Halloween food could look theatrical and still fit your macros, this recipe is your golden ticket. Each stuffed pepper clocks in at under 8 g net carbs, making it ideal for keto lovers who refuse to sacrifice creativity for nutrition.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Totally keto-friendly (~8 g net carbs per pepper)
Visually stunning — looks like glowing pumpkins straight from a Tim Burton movie
High-protein, high-fat meal that keeps you full
Kid-friendly and fun to carve

Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 large orange bell peppers
450 g (1 lb) ground beef (85–90 %)
1 cup riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 tbsp olive oil
½ small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sugar-free tomato sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Extra melted cheese on top
Fresh parsley for color

Instructions

Preheat oven to 190 °C / 375 °F. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
Carve faces into the peppers using a small paring knife — triangle eyes, jagged smiles, whatever your Halloween heart desires.
Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, cook until browned.
Stir in cauliflower rice, tomato sauce, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
Mix in half of the cheese and stir until melted through.
Stuff the peppers: Fill each “pumpkin” with the hot mixture, top with the remaining cheese, and replace the tops like little lids.
Place peppers upright in a baking dish. Add a splash of water to the bottom to keep them moist.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the tops lightly browned.
Let cool a few minutes before serving — they’ll look like glowing pumpkins fresh from the oven!

Nutrition

(per serving)

Calories: ~420
Fat: 32 g
Protein: 28 g
Net Carbs: 8 g

FAQ

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare and stuff the peppers earlier in the day, then refrigerate. Bake right before serving.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Just add a bit more olive oil or cheese for fat balance.

Will other colors of peppers work?
Sure, but orange gives the best pumpkin effect — red and yellow can also work if you’re mixing it up.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, then wrap individually. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot.

Variations & Substitutions

Use mozzarella instead of cheddar for a stretchier melt.
Add cooked bacon bits or mushrooms for deeper flavor.
Turn it into a “ghoul plate” by slicing one pepper open and letting the filling spill out like monster guts (Pinterest gold).
Vegetarian option: swap beef for crumbled tofu or more cauliflower + cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Jack-O’-Lantern peppers on a black plate with extra tomato sauce “blood” drizzle. Pair with a simple green salad or roasted zucchini for balance. For parties, line them up on a tray with tealights behind them — yes, they literally glow.

Recipe Card

Keto Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Name: Keto Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 4 large orange bell peppers; 450 g ground beef (85–90 % lean); 1 cup riced cauliflower; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sugar-free tomato sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste; Extra melted cheese; Fresh parsley

Halloween lunch elevated: orange bell peppers carved like jack-o’-lanterns and stuffed with a cheesy, savory ground beef & cauliflower rice filling. Keto, festive, and irresistibly bold.

Yield: 4 servings | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 45 mins

Keto Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers Halloween lunch

Ingredients

4 large orange bell peppers
450 g ground beef (85–90 % lean)
1 cup riced cauliflower
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 tbsp olive oil
½ small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sugar-free tomato sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Extra melted cheese
Fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 190 °C (375 °F). Cut tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
Carve faces into each pepper using a small knife (triangle eyes, jagged mouth, etc.).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in cauliflower rice, tomato sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes.
Mix in half the cheese until melted and well combined.
Stuff each pepper with filling, top with remaining cheese, and set “lids” back on.
Place peppers upright in a baking dish. Add splash of water to dish bottom.
Bake 25–30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Let rest briefly before serving — they’ll glow and ooze cheesy goodness.

Nutrition

Calories: 420
Fat: 32 g
Protein: 28 g
Net Carbs: 8 g

Lunch | International | keto, halloween, stuffed peppers, low carb lunch

Final Thoughts

If you want to serve Halloween vibes without resorting to sugar bombs, these Keto Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers are the perfect centerpiece. They’re creepy, cheesy, healthy, and pure clickbait in food form. Expect compliments, photos, and at least one person asking, “Wait — that’s keto?” 🎃🧀🔥