How to Cook Costco Stuffed Peppers (Easy Recipe & Instructions)

When I first spotted the Costco stuffed peppers in the deli case, I wasn’t expecting much—just another quick fix after a long Tuesday. But after one bite, I was surprised by how comforting they tasted. The tender bell peppers were generously filled, the tomato sauce reminded me of my grandmother’s pantry, and the cheesy top browned beautifully in the oven. It felt like a homemade dinner I didn’t have to stress over.

Back when my kids were younger, I cooked with one hand while grading papers with the other. Dinner meant shortcuts. These peppers would’ve been my weeknight miracle. Now, I still reach for them when I want something warm, familiar, and fast—without sacrificing flavor.

In this post, I’ll show you how to cook Costco stuffed peppers properly (yes, they’re mostly pre-cooked), ways to make them even better, and a few smart tips for storage and leftovers. If you’re short on time but still crave a real meal, this is one shortcut you can feel good about.

Key Benefits

Explore the many advantages of choosing Costco stuffed peppers to elevate your dinner routine. Here’s why they’re a top pick:

• Effortless Cooking: Enjoy a quick solution for busy weeknights.
  
• Ultimate Convenience: Minimal preparation needed with quality pre-cooked ingredients.
  
• Smart Savings: A budget-friendly option that delights without sacrificing flavor.
  
• Flexible Flavor: Easily enhanced with your favorite seasonings and side dishes.
  

Before diving into the preparation, envision the delightful blend of flavors waiting to transform your dinner. This recipe focuses on the convenience and taste of Costco stuffed peppers, paired with a medley of essential ingredients that elevate your meal into a satisfying weeknight treat.

How to Cook Costco Stuffed Peppers (Easy Recipe & Instructions)

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• Author: Chef Huge
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This copycat Costco stuffed peppers recipe is quick, hearty, and easy to customize. Perfect for busy weeknights or freezer-friendly meal prep.

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Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)

1 lb ground beef (or turkey/plant-based alternative)

1 cup cooked white or brown rice

1 medium onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or blend)

½ cup tomato sauce

1 tsp salt

½ tsp pepper

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp ground cumin

1 tsp dried parsley or basil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. Set aside.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.

4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

5. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, half of the cheese, tomato sauce, and seasonings.

6. Spoon filling into each bell pepper and place them in a baking dish.

7. Top with remaining cheese and a spoonful of tomato sauce if desired.

8. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10–15 more minutes.

9. Remove from oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Swap ground beef for turkey or lentils to make it leaner or vegetarian.

Air fry option: Cook at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, checking halfway through.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Gather everything you need for a satisfying dinner featuring Costco stuffed peppers. Inspired by RecipesFlash’s take on Costco stuffed bell peppers, here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 Large Bell Peppers – Red, yellow, or green for variety and flavor.
  
• 1 lb Ground Beef – Or try turkey or a plant-based alternative.
  
• 1 Cup Cooked Rice – White or brown rice both work great.
  
• 1 Onion + 2 Garlic Cloves – Diced and sautéed for extra flavor.
  
• 1 Can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes – Drained.
  
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheese – Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend.
  
• ½ Cup Tomato Sauce – Adds moisture and a saucy finish.
  
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and herbs like parsley or basil.

Each ingredient is chosen to complement the convenience of Costco’s ready-made dinner, ensuring a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste or nutrition.

Want more ideas like this? Check out our best one-pot dinners for busy families or try one-pot meal recipes for large families.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. If you prefer a faster option, use a microwave on high for 3-4 minutes.
   
2. Place the Costco stuffed peppers on an oven-safe dish, spacing them evenly.
   
3. Pour a light layer of tomato sauce over the peppers for added moisture.
   
4. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired and add a dash of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
   
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and the peppers are heated through, or microwave until evenly warmed.

Be sure to follow USDA food safety guidelines and ensure the internal temperature of ground meat reaches 160°F for safe consumption.

Looking for another baked comfort food idea? Don’t miss our cheesy Baked Ziti with Chicken.

Pro Tips & Variations for Costco Stuffed Peppers

What makes this Costco stuffed peppers recipe especially appealing is how easily it can be customized. You can tweak ingredients, switch cooking methods, or add flavor-boosting extras to suit your flavor preferences, nutrition goals, or the ingredients you have on hand. These pro tips and creative variations will help you take this dish from great to unforgettable.

Explore Different Cooking Methods
While oven baking is traditional, these stuffed peppers also cook beautifully in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping or checking halfway to ensure even cooking. Want to skip the oven entirely? Try our air fryer stuffed bell peppers for a crisp, speedy alternative.

Need to reheat leftovers? Here’s exactly how to reheat stuffed peppers in an air fryer for the best flavor and texture without drying them out.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your Costco stuffed peppers with a crisp side salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
  
• Serve alongside garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up any extra tomato sauce.
  
• Consider adding a simple pasta dish tossed in olive oil and herbs as a complementary main or side.
  
• For a well-rounded meal, enjoy your peppers with a side of steamed vegetables or a medley of roasted seasonal produce.
  
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to enhance both flavor and visual appeal.

Looking for more quick and tasty dinner ideas? We’ve got 10 dinner recipes that are simple and easy just like this one!

Final thoughts

• These Costco stuffed peppers offer a quick, delicious solution for busy weeknights.
  
• Enjoy the simplicity and convenience of pre-cooked, flavorful ingredients that make dinner effortless.
  
• Experiment with variations to match your taste and elevate your meal experience.
  
• Whether you’re cooking for family or enjoying a personal treat, this recipe proves that tasty dinners don’t have to be complicated.
  

Embrace the ease of Costco meals and savor every bite of your effortless, satisfying dinner.

FAQs

Thank you for spending time reading our article. We appreciate your interest and hope this recipe inspires you to create a delicious meal with ease. Happy cooking!