Halloween Jack O Lantern Pasta Dinner
Bring a festive twist to your Halloween festivities with this whimsical Halloween Jack O' Lantern Pasta Dinner! Hollowed-out orange bell peppers are expertly carved into spooky Jack O' Lantern faces, then stuffed with a savory mix of spaghetti, flavorful tomato meat sauce (with a plant-based option), and aromatic herbs like basil and oregano. These adorable edible lanterns bake to perfection, softening just enough to retain their ghostly grin while infusing the dish with a subtly sweet roasted pepper flavor. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan and optional parsley, this visually striking recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests, this creative and crowd-pleasing dish doubles as a delicious centerpiece for your Halloween table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Orange bell peppers
- 250 grams Spaghetti
- 300 grams Ground beef (or plant-based ground meat)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 400 grams Canned tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut off the tops of the orange bell peppers (reserve the tops for decoration). Remove the seeds and membranes from the inside.
Using a small paring knife, carefully carve Jack O' Lantern faces into one side of each bell pepper. Set the peppers aside.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add the ground beef (or plant-based meat) to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Stir in the canned tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Fill each carved bell pepper with the pasta mixture, gently packing it in. Place the filled peppers upright in a baking dish. Replace the tops of the peppers as a decorative lid.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the peppers are softened but still hold their shape.
Remove the peppers from the oven and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve the Jack O' Lantern pasta peppers warm and enjoy your spooky Halloween dinner!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2036 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 108.8 g | 139% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.9 g | 200% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 260 mg | 87% | |
| Sodium | 4636 mg | 202% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 168.5 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.6 g | 109% | |
| Total Sugars | 56.9 g | ||
| Protein | 98.7 g | 197% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 819 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 17.9 mg | 99% | |
| Potassium | 4154 mg | 88% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
