Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe

I’ve always been a huge fan of Costco’s premade meals, especially their stuffed peppers.

But sometimes, a craving hits between my shopping trips, so I decided to recreate them at home. After a few tries, I finally perfected this copycat recipe, and my kitchen smelled absolutely amazing.

The cheesy, beefy filling tucked into tender peppers is pure comfort food, and making it myself felt so rewarding.

I’m excited to share this Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe with you because it’s surprisingly simple and tastes just like the real deal, if not better!

Ingredients

Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to bring this delicious meal to life. Using quality ingredients will give you that authentic flavor you’re looking for.

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Just a bit to get the onions and beef started in the pan.
• ½ Onion: Diced finely, this adds a foundational layer of savory flavor to the filling.
• 1 pound Ground Beef: I prefer an 80/20 blend for the best flavor, but ground turkey or chicken also work well.
• 24-ounce jar of Spaghetti Sauce: A good quality store-bought sauce saves time and is already packed with herbs and flavor.
• 3 or 6 Bell Peppers, any color: Use six whole peppers for a classic look or three peppers cut in half for quicker cooking.
• ½ cup Uncooked White or Basmati Rice: This bulks up the filling and absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
• ½ cup Water or Beef Broth: Beef broth adds more depth than water, making the filling richer.
• 1 ⅓ cup Grated or Shredded Parmesan Cheese: This is the secret star. Grating your own block of Parmesan gives a much better melt and flavor than pre-shredded.
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
• Fresh Parsley for garnish (optional): A little green on top adds a fresh look and taste.

Note: This recipe makes enough filling for 6 medium-sized stuffed peppers.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and sauté a full onion with about 8 ounces of chopped mushrooms. You can also add veggie crumbles or simply increase the rice to 1 cup to make sure your peppers are full.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeño to the beef and onion mixture for a little bit of heat.
• Different Grains: Swap the white rice for quinoa to add more protein and a nutty flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
• Cheesy Upgrade: While Parmesan is key, feel free to mix in some shredded mozzarella or provolone for that classic, gooey cheese pull on top.

Cooking Time

Here is a quick breakdown of how much time you’ll need to prepare this meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any special tools for this recipe, just some basic kitchen equipment.

• Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and cooking the filling mixture.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: The perfect size to hold the stuffed peppers upright while they bake.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For dicing the onion and preparing the peppers.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine all the filling ingredients before stuffing the peppers.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover the baking dish, which helps steam the peppers until they are tender.

How to Make Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe?

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare the Peppers

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Decide if you want to stuff whole peppers or halves. For whole peppers, slice the tops off, remove the seeds and membranes, and chop the usable pepper from the tops to add to your filling. If you prefer halves, cut three peppers lengthwise, remove the seeds and membranes, and set them aside.

Cook the Filling

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and the chopped pepper tops, and sauté for about three minutes until they soften. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat before moving on to the next step.

Combine and Simmer

Add about half of the spaghetti sauce jar (around 14 ounces), the uncooked rice, and the water or beef broth to the skillet. Stir everything together, bring it to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Stuff and Bake

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in one cup of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Carefully stuff the filling mixture into your prepared peppers and arrange them snugly in a 9×13 baking dish. You can pour the remaining sauce over the peppers if you like extra moisture. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Finally, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Through making this a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks that really make a difference.

• I find that using a mix of pepper colors (red, yellow, orange) not only looks beautiful but also adds a variety of sweet flavors.
• To save time on a busy weeknight, I sometimes use precooked rice. If you do, just skip the water/broth and the simmering step.
• Don’t be afraid to taste the filling before stuffing the peppers. I always do a final check for salt and pepper to make sure the seasoning is perfect.
• For an extra layer of flavor, I like to add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the beef mixture along with the sauce.

How to Serve Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe?

Serve them hot, straight from the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. They pair wonderfully with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a heartier meal, you could also serve them alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content for one serving of this recipe.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal per pepper
• Protein: Around 30g
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 35g
• Fat: Approximately 20-25g

Make Ahead and Storage

This is a great recipe to prepare in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or busy schedules.

Refrigerating

You can store cooked stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and they often taste even better the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cooked peppers cool completely, then wrap them individually or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat stuffed peppers is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven helps keep the pepper from getting too soft.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are just a few reasons why this copycat recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

• Tastes Like the Original: It captures all the savory, cheesy goodness of the Costco version, allowing you to enjoy it anytime you want.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is easy to make in a big batch and stores well, making it ideal for planning lunches or dinners for the week.
• Completely Customizable: You can easily swap out the meat, use different cheeses, or add extra veggies to suit your family’s tastes.
• A Full Meal in One: With protein, carbs, and vegetables all packed into one pepper, it’s a satisfying and balanced dish that doesn’t require a lot of side dishes.