What should we eat on Halloween Night? We are all busy getting dressed up, passing out candy, and managing kids. Who has time for a fancy meal? Not us! We’ve polled our contributors and here are 6 of our favorite EASY Halloween night dinner ideas.
1. Crock Pot Chili
Recipe from Tamieka. Crock Pot Chili is great because you prepare it early in the day and let it cook and simmer throughout the day. Plus, you don’t have to clean it up immediately. Your kids may want to eat before or after trick-or treating and the meal is still there penitently waiting on you.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of ground beef
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 2 cans of red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 small cans of fire roasted tomatoes
- 12 oz of beer (don’t worry, the alcohol cooks out)
- 6 tbsp of chili powder
- 1 tbsp of cumin
- 2 tsp of paprika
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Directions:
2. Simple Quesadillas
Recipe from Juliet. Make a ham, cheddar, and apple quesadillas. Directions: Heat up a tortilla in a pan for about 30 seconds, then flip it over and lay cheese, ham, and thin apple slices (in that order) on top of one half of the quesadilla. Let it cook for about a minute. Then fold it the quesadilla in half – the cheese should be melty enough. Or, you can heat them or microwave them for until the cheese is melted. Serve the quesadillas with a veggie like carrots, peppers, broccoli, etc. This is is a quick meal that’s a crowd pleaser!
3. Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Recipe from Tatiana with The Story of My Table. These are adorable, nutritious, and can be prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 Large bell Peppers.
- 1 pound of ground turkey (or other proffered meat)
- 1/2 head of cauliflower
- 1 8oz can of tomato sauce
- 2 heads of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of chopped white onions
- 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
- 3 tablespoons of Taco Seasoning
- 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350F
- Cut the cauliflower into big chunks and add them to the food processor. Grate the cauliflower until you reach a ground meat consistency.
- In a non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and white onions. Cook until its translucent and fragrant. Add the taco seasoning and mix.
- Pour the ground turkey into the mixture and cook until it browns. Mix in the cauliflower and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Making a whole in the middle of the skillet, add the tomato sauce and apple cider vinegar. Slowly mix until everything is coated.
- Add the chopped cilantro before serving and enjoy.
- Carefully cut the top pieces of the peppers, do not remove. Remove and discard the seeds. With a small knife or carving tools, carve a jack O’Lantern face on each pepper.
- Place the peppers upright in a greased pan. Fill with the meat and cauliflower mixture and top of cheese. Close with top of pepper and cover the pan with foil paper. Bake for 20-30 minutes.
4. Hot Dog Mummies
Idea from Tirzah. These are a fan favorite and so fun and easy to make. We use this recipe from Pillsbury.
5. Crock Pot Taco Soup
Idea from Courtney. This is such a simple recipe and everyone loves it. Throw the ingredients into the crockpot, cook for about 4.5 hours, and serve with Fritos or chips, grated cheddar, and sour cream. Here is a link to an award winning recipe.
- Crock pot ingredients: 2 lbs of chicken breast, 2 cans of drained black beans, 1 can of kidney beans, 1 packet of taco seasoning, 2 cans of chopped tomatoes, 1 beer, 1 cup of chicken broth.
- Soup toppings: Chips or Fritos, cheddar cheese, sour cream.
6. Order Pizza!
Idea from Caroline. Pizza is always a hit and we love to support our local pizza places. Order ahead and get it delivered or pick it up before the rush of children come or go trick-or-treating.
Bonus: Special Decorative Drinks
Idea and pic from Tamieka. While you are making this fun food, be the fun mom and make thing a little special by decorating drinks too. This can be prepared ahead of time of the Halloween rush. Get some googley eyes and bandage wrap and your kids will love it! This takes a few minutes to create, but the memories will last a lifetime!
Happy Halloween! We hope these Halloween dinner ideas make your evening a little less stressful!
