Keto Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers is a fun, low-carb Halloween dinner featuring carved bell peppers filled with savory seasoned meat and melted cheese without the carbs. This Keto Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers recipe delivers big flavor, easy prep, and festive presentation, making it perfect for parties, family dinners, and anyone wanting a creative, keto-friendly Halloween meal that stays fully low carb.

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.

Also Read: Thirty Birthday Cakes You Need to Try!


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

Ingredients

  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 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

  1. Preheat oven to 190 °C / 375 °F. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
  2. Carve faces into the peppers using a small paring knife — triangle eyes, jagged smiles, whatever your Halloween heart desires.
  3. Cook the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, cook until browned.
  4. Stir in cauliflower rice, tomato sauce, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Mix in half of the cheese and stir until melted through.
  6. Stuff the peppers: Fill each “pumpkin” with the hot mixture, top with the remaining cheese, and replace the tops like little lids.
  7. Place peppers upright in a baking dish. Add a splash of water to the bottom to keep them moist.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the tops lightly browned.
  9. 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.

Keto Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 420
Turn dinner into a Halloween masterpiece with these Keto Jack-O’-Lantern Stuffed Peppers — fun, spooky, and totally low carb. Perfect for impressing guests or trick-or-treat night dinner without breaking ketosis.

Ingredients

  • 4 large orange bell peppers
  • 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 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!
Calories: 420kcal
Course: Dinner, LUNCH
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Dinner, halloween, international, low carb / keto, Low Carb Lunch, lunch, stuffed peppers

Did you make this recipe?

Let me know how it turned out! Snap a pic and tag @dailyketo.recipes on instagram – I’d love to see your version.

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