The Ultimate Copycat Costco Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

The Ultimate Copycat Costco Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Can we just admit that sometimes, convenience is King? When I'm hauling five bags of groceries and a sleepy toddler, those huge, glorious tubs of pre-made dinner always catch my eye especially the savory, meat and rice packed costco stuffed bell peppers .

They smell incredible, but the truth is, making them at home gives you control over the flavor, the ingredients, and, honestly, the budget.

This isn't one of those fussy, 3 hour recipes that requires blanching the peppers for 20 minutes before you even start the filling. Nope. This is the speedy, weeknight version where the prep time is only 5 minutes, and the whole dish is ready to shatter that cheesy crust in under an hour.

We’re using a high impact seasoning blend and a quick cook method that results in tender peppers and a deeply satisfying, protein packed filling that tastes exactly like the Costco classic.

If you are craving that deep, home cooked flavor without the fuss, this easy stuffed bell peppers recipe is your move.

Why the Costco Stuffed Bell Pepper Flavor Profile Works

The magic of the ready-made costco stuffed bell peppers lies in two key areas: efficiency and umami.

The Magic of Par-Cooked Rice

Most people mess up homemade stuffed peppers by using raw rice. That requires cooking the entire dish for 75 to 90 minutes just to hydrate the grain! We don't have time for that.

The reason this copycat works fast ( 45 minutes, tops!) is because the rice is already cooked. The filling mixture only needs to heat through and meld the flavors together while the bell pepper walls soften from the steam. This keeps your cook time short and ensures the meat filling doesn't dry out while you wait for the rice to finish. If you’re like me and love quick, clean flavors, you’ll also love my recipe for Costco Quinoa Salad: Identical Copycat Recipe — another 5 minute prep win.

Achieving Deep Umami Flavor in the Beef Filling

The costco stuffed bell peppers with ground beef and rice are famous for their rich, savory flavor. How do you get that deep taste without a long simmer? You need high impact ingredients.

I use lean ground beef (to keep the low-calorie status) and amplify the savory notes using tomato paste (caramelized while browning the beef) and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. The result is instant depth.

We want the meat mixture to be thick and cohesive not runny so it bakes into a firm, juicy mound.

Essential Ingredients and Smart Swaps

This recipe is built around five main ingredients, making the grocery run simple. We’re aiming for the optimal macronutrient balance, hitting high protein and keeping the fat reasonable for that 426 kcal benchmark.

Original Ingredient	Best Switcheroo	The Food Science (Why It Works)

Mastering the Stuffed Pepper Process (step-by-step)

Here’s exactly how to get these costco stuffed bell peppers on the table in under an hour.

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Yield: 6 servings

Step 1: Prepping the Bell Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Slice the tops off 6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green though red offers the most natural sweetness) and scoop out the seeds and membranes. The most important tip here: Do not boil or blanch them.

To get tender peppers in a short time, arrange them cut-side up in a 9x13 baking dish.

Step 2: Preparing the Savory Ground Beef and Rice Mixture

In a skillet, brown 1.5 lb lean ground beef (85/15). While it’s browning, sprinkle in your salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a generous tablespoon of tomato paste. Cook the paste for 60 seconds until it deepens in color that's how you caramelize the sugars and create instant umami depth.

Drain off any excess grease. Stir in 1.5 cups cooked white rice, the 8 oz canned tomato sauce, and about 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (part skim) (if using). The mixture should be thick, almost like a very chunky chili.

Step 3: Assembly and Baking Instructions

Carefully spoon the savory filling into each pepper cavity. Pack it down lightly, like you’re tucking in a blanket. Don't overstuff them so aggressively that the filling starts cracking the pepper walls.

Pour about 1/2 cup of water or beef broth into the bottom of the baking dish. This creates steam as it bakes, which is the secret to softening the thick pepper walls in just 45 minutes.

Cover the entire dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, top each pepper with a sprinkle of extra cheese (about 1 tablespoon per pepper), and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown and the pepper walls are yielding when pierced with a fork.

Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving so the filling can set.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this is an easy stuffed bell peppers recipe , there are a few simple ways things can go wrong. Here are the most common issues and how to solve them immediately.

Common Mistake	Root Cause (Why It Happens)	The Fix
Watery Filling	Too much moisture from the beef, sauce, or the peppers themselves.	Make sure to thoroughly drain the ground beef after browning. If using large, fresh bell peppers, dab the inside cavity with a paper towel before stuffing to absorb residual moisture.
Peppers Are Hard/Crunchy	Oven temp was too low, or the peppers weren't covered during the initial bake.	The key is steam! Cover the dish tightly with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. This traps the moisture from the beef and the added broth, softening the pepper walls much faster.
Filling is Bland	Relying only on generic tomato sauce and not boosting the umami.	Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a small splash of balsamic vinegar to the meat mixture. This simple acid addition will instantly intensify the overall savory flavor.

Air Fryer Option?

Yes, you can absolutely make air fryer costco stuffed peppers ! If your air fryer basket can fit a few peppers standing upright, reduce the cook temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Cook for 25– 30 minutes, checking for tenderness, covering the tops with foil halfway through if the cheese browns too quickly.

Storage and Freezing: Prepping and Saving Leftovers

One of the best things about making a large batch of these six costco stuffed bell peppers is that they store beautifully.

How Long Do Cooked Stuffed Peppers Last in the Fridge?

Leftover cooked peppers should be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of baking. They will stay perfectly fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days.

Freezing Stuffed Peppers (Cooked vs. Uncooked)

You can freeze these both cooked and uncooked!

1. Uncooked: Prepare the filling, stuff the raw peppers, and arrange them in an aluminum foil pan. Do not bake them yet! Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake them straight from frozen (covered) at 375°F for 60– 75 minutes.
2. Cooked: Allow the fully cooked peppers to cool completely. Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Best Methods for Reheating Stuffed Pepper Leftovers

• Oven (Best Texture): Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the chilled peppers in an oven safe dish with a tablespoon of water in the bottom. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15– 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave (Fastest): Place one pepper on a plate and cover loosely with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power for 2– 3 minutes.

What to Serve with Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers

Because the costco stuffed bell peppers recipe is so hearty and complete (protein, starch, and vegetable), you only need a light side dish to round it out.

A simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon is perfect to cut through the richness of the beef and cheese. You could also lean into the Italian American comfort food angle by serving them alongside a simple slice of crusty garlic bread.

If you love the flavor profile but sometimes need a quicker, deconstructed method on a busy night, I highly recommend checking out my Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole Recipe: Easy Family Comfort Meal . It hits all the same savory notes but is scoop and serve ready!

Enjoy this delicious, protein rich, and lightning fast copycat of the amazing costco stuffed bell peppers . You'll never buy the ready-made version again!

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	426 kcal
Protein	32.5 g
Fat	22.2 g
Carbs	24.4 g
Fiber	3.0 g
Sugar	6.0 g
Sodium	650 mg

Recipe FAQs

How to make Costco stuffed bell peppers from scratch?

To make the copycat version, you will need to prepare a filling typically consisting of ground meat, cooked rice, and seasonings, which is then stuffed evenly into hollowed out bell peppers.

This homemade method allows you to control the savory flavor profile far better than the pre-made version, giving you an authentic taste.

How long to cook Costco stuffed bell peppers in the oven?

Generally, bake the stuffed peppers at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the peppers are tender. Cooking time can vary based on the size of the peppers and whether they are covered, so checking for tenderness is key.

How to cook Costco stuffed bell peppers in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook them in an air fryer by setting the temperature to 350°F (175°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes, depending on their size. Ensure you place them securely so they do not tip over during the circulating cooking process, which ensures even heating throughout the filling.

Can I use other vegetables instead of bell peppers?

Yes, you can substitute bell peppers with other sturdy vegetables if desired, such as zucchini boats or large mushrooms, similar to how we handle stuffing in the Easy Herb Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe. Just remember that cooking times might need slight adjustments based on the vegetable's water content and density.

What is the best way to reheat leftover stuffed peppers?

The best way to reheat leftovers is to cover them tightly in foil and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, a short stint in the microwave works for speed, though the texture may be slightly softer than the oven method.

Do the store-bought Costco peppers freeze well?

Yes, the pre-made Costco stuffed peppers freeze excellently, making them a perfect convenience meal prep option. Cool them completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil, and they should remain good in the freezer for up to three months.