Craving those cheesy Costco stuffed peppers but don’t want to make a trip—or settle for store-bought? I’ve been there. One chilly Tuesday evening, I needed something fast, filling, and comforting. I remembered the Kirkland stuffed peppers we used to grab in bulk—savory beef, tender peppers, and that golden layer of Parmesan. But instead of hopping in the car, I recreated the flavor at home in my cozy Asheville kitchen. With a warm oven and a splash of Rao’s sauce, the aroma pulled my family in from every corner. This homemade Costco stuffed peppers recipe is my go-to copycat—easy, customizable, and even better straight from your oven or air fryer.
Why This Copycat Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe Works
There’s something comforting about recreating a familiar favorite at home—especially when the result tastes fresher and even more satisfying. This Costco stuffed peppers recipe brings together everything you love from the original tray, with the bonus of better texture, richer flavor, and full control over ingredients.
- Customizable for Any Diet: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adapting for gluten-free or low-carb needs, this recipe makes it easy. Swap the rice, skip the cheese, or go meatless—it still works.
- Cost-Saving with Bulk Ingredients: If you’re already a Costco shopper, chances are you have most of what you need: bell peppers, Rao’s marinara, ground meat, and cheese—all in larger, budget-friendly packs.
- Meal Prep Gold: These reheat beautifully, so you can cook once and enjoy warm, satisfying dinners throughout the week—either from the fridge or freezer. For more make-ahead inspiration, explore our top high protein meal prep ideas that help you eat well on busy days. If you’re a fan of cozy meal-prep classics, try our tuna noodle casserole—a classic weeknight comfort meal that reheats beautifully.
- Air Fryer or Oven Ready: Unlike the store version, which leans on oven-only baking, this version includes air fryer instructions for quick, crisp results in half the time. For another simple one-pan recipe for busy nights, this chicken risoni dish is full of flavor and ready fast—just like these peppers.
Once you try this homemade version, you’ll see why we rarely buy the tray anymore. You can make it your way—and make it taste even better.
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Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 stuffed pepper halves
Description
These cheesy, beefy Costco stuffed peppers are even better homemade. Use your oven or air fryer for an easy weeknight dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 24 ounces spaghetti sauce (e.g. Rao’s Marinara)
- 3 or 6 bell peppers (3 halved or 6 whole), any color
- ½ cup uncooked white or Basmati rice
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- 1⅓ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, optional garnish
Instructions
1. Cut tops off bell peppers. Halve or leave whole. Remove seeds and ribs. Dice usable tops.
2. Sauté onion and diced pepper tops in olive oil for 3 minutes over medium heat.
3. Add ground beef or turkey. Brown fully, breaking into crumbles. Drain fat if needed.
4. Add 14 oz spaghetti sauce, water or broth, rice, and salt. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Stir in 1 cup Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Stuff peppers with hot filling. Place upright in baking dish or air fryer tray. Spoon remaining sauce over top if desired.
7. For oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) covered with foil for 40 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese, and bake 5 more minutes.
8. For air fryer: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes. Add cheese for last 5 minutes. Cool briefly before serving.
Notes
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Substitute lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- These freeze well—wrap individually and reheat from frozen.
- For extra flavor, stir in pesto, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked or Air Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe (Air Fryer + Oven)
This recipe uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients—many of which you likely already have if you’re a Costco regular. From juicy bell peppers to creamy Parmesan, everything works together to recreate the savory, comforting flavor of those iconic trays. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Yellow onion, diced | ½ onion |
| Ground beef or turkey | 1 pound |
| Spaghetti sauce (e.g. Rao’s Marinara) | 24 ounces |
| Bell peppers (any color) | 3 whole (halved) or 6 whole |
| Uncooked white or Basmati rice | ½ cup |
| Water or beef broth | ½ cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1⅓ cups |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley (optional garnish) | To taste |
Pro Ingredient Tips:
- Parmesan Cheese: Use a wedge and grate it yourself for creamier texture. Avoid pre-shredded bags if possible.
- Rao’s Sauce: It’s pricier, but its clean ingredient list brings out that “restaurant” flavor Costco fans love.
- Rice Swap: You can use cauliflower rice for low-carb or pre-cooked rice to speed things up.
- Protein Switch: Ground turkey is lighter but still rich in flavor. You can also go vegetarian using lentils or chopped mushrooms.
How to Make Costco Stuffed Peppers (Air Fryer or Oven)
This copycat Costco stuffed peppers recipe works beautifully whether you use your oven or air fryer. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a warm, cheesy meal that comes together with ease.
Step 1: Prep the Bell Peppers
Choose between using 3 bell peppers halved or 6 left whole. Cut off the tops of each pepper, scoop out the seeds and inner ribs, and toss the stems. Dice the remaining pepper tops (excluding the stems) and reserve them for the meat mixture. If you prefer a softer texture, briefly boil the cleaned peppers for about 5 minutes and let them cool.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and reserved pepper tops for around 3 minutes. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain off any excess fat. Pour in 14 ounces of spaghetti sauce, ½ cup of water or broth, the uncooked rice, and a pinch of salt. Place a lid on the pan and let it cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice softens completely. Stir in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Arrange the hollowed peppers upright in a greased baking dish or air fryer tray. Spoon the hot filling into each pepper, pressing it down gently. If you like, spoon some of the remaining sauce over the tops for extra flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Bake in the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Tent the baking dish with foil and cook for 40 minutes until the peppers begin to soften. Uncover, top with the rest of the Parmesan, and return to the oven for 5 minutes until bubbling and lightly browned. Let them sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Air Fryer Option
Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Looking for more air fryer dinner ideas? These air fryer stuffed bell peppers are another fast, flavorful option you’ll want in your rotation.
Place one or two peppers in the basket, depending on space. Cook for 18 to 22 minutes, adding cheese during the final 5 minutes. Allow to cool briefly before serving.
Lisa’s Pro Tips & Creative Variations
Cooking should feel flexible, forgiving, and fun—and this Costco stuffed peppers recipe is no exception. Here’s how I make it even better with a few flavorful tricks and smart swaps.
Use Real Parmesan, Not the Shaker
Shredding a wedge of Parmesan makes all the difference. It melts creamier, tastes nuttier, and browns beautifully on top. Costco’s version skips this depth—don’t.
Go for Rao’s, or Don’t Skimp on Sauce
I reach for Rao’s marinara because it’s low in sugar, high in flavor, and coats the filling like a dream. If you’re using another sauce, taste first and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Vegetarian? Try Lentils or Mushrooms
To keep it hearty without meat, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms. Add a spoonful of tomato paste for richness. Want another satisfying vegetarian dinner with a creamy texture? Our creamy butter beans are a rich and protein-packed option for meatless nights.
Make It Low-Carb Friendly
Swap the rice with cauliflower rice to cut carbs without losing volume. Just reduce the liquid a bit—cauliflower doesn’t absorb like grains do.
Want Bold Flavor? Spice It Up
For extra punch, I sometimes add smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or even a spoonful of pesto in the mix. A few fresh thyme leaves also bring bright, herbal balance.
Double the Batch, Freeze for Later
These freeze beautifully. I cool them completely, wrap them individually, and store them in a freezer bag. When reheating, I go straight from frozen to oven—no need to thaw.
Leftover Magic: Turn Into Soup
If any filling is leftover—or if you have broken peppers—add broth and a little cream to make a quick, hearty stuffed pepper soup. It’s my favorite winter lunch shortcut.
Whether you’re serving a crowd or prepping ahead, these small variations let you customize this recipe to match your style, your pantry, and your dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions for Costco Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers aren’t just the main event—they’re a chance to create a warm, well-rounded meal with minimal effort. Here’s how I like to serve them to make dinner feel a little more special, whether it’s a weeknight or a weekend gathering.
Balance with Freshness
Since the peppers are hearty and cheesy, I always pair them with something bright. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette or a light cucumber dill salad adds contrast and cuts through the richness.
Add a Starch (or Skip It)
If you didn’t stuff the peppers with much rice, serve them alongside quinoa, couscous, or warm buttered noodles. For low-carb eaters, roasted cauliflower or sautéed zucchini ribbons work beautifully.
Plate Like a Pro
I sometimes spoon a little extra marinara onto the plate before placing the pepper on top. It adds a restaurant-style finish and keeps the filling from drying out. A quick sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil at the end adds color and makes the dish pop.
Serve Family-Style or Individually
For casual nights, I bring the baking dish right to the table. But when I’m hosting or prepping meals ahead, I plate each pepper individually with a few garnishes—it’s simple but polished.
Optional Sides to Try
- Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
- Lemon-herb orzo
- Grilled vegetables
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Tomato basil soup
With just a few extra touches, these copycat Costco stuffed peppers can go from comfort food to crowd-pleaser without extra effort.
How to Store and Reheat Homemade Stuffed Peppers
These peppers reheat beautifully for next-day dinners or meal prep. For full reheating and freezer instructions (including oven and air fryer methods), check out our guide: How to Reheat Stuffed Peppers in the Air Fryer
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about recreating a favorite store-bought meal and making it even better at home. These copycat Costco stuffed peppers deliver on flavor, comfort, and convenience—without the plastic tray. Once I started making them myself, I realized how much more I could customize the filling, adjust the spice, or lighten them up without sacrificing taste.
Whether you’re baking a big batch for the week or whipping them up on a busy night, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. I’ve served it at casual dinners, packed it into lunchboxes, and even turned the leftovers into soup. It’s flexible, cozy, and always gets eaten. For more inspiration, explore our collection of Main Dishes that are just as easy and satisfying.
If you try your own twist—maybe a meatless version or a fun new sauce—let me know.It’s always a joy to see how these recipes take on new life in your kitchens.
If you enjoy easy comfort meals like this, don’t miss our best one-pot dinners for busy families to keep things simple and delicious all week.
Cooking is a conversation, after all, and I’m so glad you’re here to be part of it.
FAQs About Costco Stuffed Peppers
Still have questions about making or serving Costco-style stuffed peppers at home? Below are answers to the most common questions people ask—based on real Google searches—to help guide you through every step.
Yes! You can easily swap the white rice for cauliflower rice to lower carbs, or skip grains entirely. Just adjust the liquid slightly, since cauliflower doesn’t absorb moisture like rice. This variation still holds together well and keeps the filling light but hearty.
Ground beef is classic, but you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based options like lentils or mushrooms. For a richer flavor, I like a 50/50 mix of beef and pork. Just be sure to season generously so the filling stays bold and satisfying.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the filling and adds a nutty, golden top—much better than pre-shredded blends. You can also mix in mozzarella for stretch or feta for a salty twist. Costco’s version uses Parmesan, but homemade gives you more control.
Definitely. These homemade stuffed peppers give you a balance of protein, vegetables, and fiber—with none of the preservatives found in packaged trays. You can go lighter with turkey, use brown rice or quinoa, and skip extra cheese if needed.
Absolutely. Let the peppers cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or parchment before sealing in freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen—no thawing needed.
These FAQs offer practical tips to help you perfect your costco stuffed bell peppers. With this knowledge, you can confidently prepare, personalize, and savor this dish, ensuring great results every time. Enjoy the process and your tasty creation!
I love This Recipe! Thank you for charing.