I still remember standing on a stool in my grandmother’s kitchen. She turned simple ingredients into hearty family meals with ease. That memory inspired this Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe 2025 Amazing Easy Copycat. These peppers feature seasoned beef, rice, and rich tomato sauce topped with melty mozzarella.
The flavors feel nostalgic yet fresh, perfect for weeknight dinners. With this homemade version, you control every ingredient and flavor. Make it for meal prep or quick dinners, comfort food straight from your oven.
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Best Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe 2025 Tips
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe 2025 Amazing Easy Copycat is filled with beef, rice, tomato sauce, and topped with melty mozzarella for a comforting homemade meal.
Ingredients
- 6 large bell peppers (any color), tops removed and seeds cleaned
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cut tops off peppers, remove seeds, and blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until fragrant. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned.
- Mix in rice, tomato paste, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stuff peppers with beef mixture and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can freeze stuffed peppers before baking for up to 2 months.
- For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why Make Costco Stuffed Peppers at Home in 2025?
Homemade meals feel personal and rewarding, and this Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe 2025 Amazing Easy Copycat proves it.
Because you control every step, you can choose leaner beef, organic produce, or even make a vegetarian version.
First, making stuffed peppers at home can save money compared to buying ready-made trays at Costco. Also, you avoid preservatives and hidden additives.
Second, home cooking gives you creative freedom. You can easily add extra cheese, mix in spices, or swap proteins for chicken or turkey.
Moreover, preparing food in your own kitchen means you can match your family’s dietary goals. Want lower sodium or whole-grain rice? Then adjust the ingredients to suit your needs.
Finally, 2025 is seeing a rise in home cooking trends. People now focus on meal prep and shared dinners, so recreating Costco favorites at home fits right in.
Ingredients for Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe 2025
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples and fresh vegetables to recreate that signature Costco flavor at home. Each ingredient adds its own depth, from the sweetness of the peppers to the richness of the beef and creamy melted cheese. Here’s what you need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large bell peppers (any color) | 6, tops sliced off and seeds removed |
| Ground beef (85% lean) | 1 lb |
| Cooked rice (white or brown) | 1 ½ cups |
| Medium onion, finely diced | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Olive oil (for cooking) | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh parsley (optional garnish) | As desired |
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, gather all ingredients and tools. This helps you cook smoothly without stopping to search for items.
- Prep the Bell Peppers
Slice off the tops, remove seeds and membranes, and then rinse them thoroughly. Briefly boil the peppers for about three minutes to soften them, then drain well. Finally, drain well and set aside.
- Cook the Beef Mixture
Warm olive oil in a skillet set over medium heat until shimmering. Then, add the onion and garlic, stirring constantly until soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring, until it turns golden brown and fully cooked. As a result, your filling will have a rich base.
- Mix the Filling
Stir in cooked rice, tomato paste, tomato sauce, Italian herbs, salt, and a dash of pepper. Therefore, stir the mixture well and let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors blend together.
- Stuff the Peppers
Place the peppers upright in a baking dish. Next, spoon in the beef mixture, pressing it down gently. Afterward, top each pepper generously with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake the Peppers
Place the dish in a hot oven set to 375°F (190°C) and bake for around 25 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare your table and side dishes. In the end, bake until the cheese melts and bubbles perfectly.
- Serve and Enjoy
Finish with a sprinkle of parsley, if you like, and serve immediately while hot. This way, you enjoy a comforting meal straight from your kitchen.
Pro Tips and Variations
Making this Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe 2025 Amazing Easy Copycat at home gives you creative freedom. This flexibility allows you to adapt the recipe to match your own taste. Here are some ideas to improve flavor and flexibility:
Pro Tips:
- Choose Fresh Peppers: Use firm, brightly colored peppers. They hold their shape and provide a sweeter flavor.
- Drain the Beef Well: Removing extra fat keeps the filling from becoming greasy.
- Blanch Before Baking: Briefly boiling the peppers helps them soften faster and cook evenly in the oven.
- Cheese Layering Trick: Add half the cheese before baking and the rest in the last 5 minutes for gooey topping.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cook the filling in advance and store it for up to two days, saving time on busy nights.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for lentils or quinoa. Add mushrooms for extra texture.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and reduce tomato sauce slightly.
- Spicy Kick: For extra heat, fold in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Different Cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a unique flavor.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze uncooked stuffed peppers individually, then bake from frozen, adding 10 minutes to cooking time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe 2025 Amazing Easy Copycat is hearty on its own. However, pairing it with light sides makes it even better. Because the peppers are rich and filling, lighter accompaniments work perfectly.
Perfect Side Dishes:
- Fresh Salads: A crisp broccoli cauliflower salad balances the cheesy richness. Additionally, it adds a refreshing crunch.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: These add texture and soak up extra sauce. Moreover, they turn the meal into a satisfying feast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or asparagus pair well. As a result, you get more fiber and vibrant color on the plate.
Sauce Ideas:
- Tomato Basil Sauce: Adds tangy freshness. Similarly, a roasted red pepper sauce gives depth and sweetness.
- Creamy Garlic Sauce: Creates a smooth, indulgent finish. Consequently, it enhances the overall flavor balance.
Beverage Pairings:
- Red Wine: A medium-bodied merlot complements beef and tomato flavors. Alternatively, a cabernet works well too.
- Sparkling Water or Lemonade: Pair it with sparkling water or chilled lemonade for a crisp, refreshing contrast. This combination helps refresh your palate between each delicious bite.
Presentation Tips:
Stand the peppers upright on a white plate for visual appeal. Add a drizzle of tomato sauce and top with parsley for a bright, fresh touch.
Storage and Reheating
Cooking extra portions of this Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe 2025 Amazing Easy Copycat is smart for busy days. Because these peppers store well, you can enjoy them later with minimal effort.
How to Store:
- Refrigerator: Place cooled peppers in an airtight container. Then, refrigerate for up to three days.
- Freezer: Wrap each pepper tightly in foil. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Put the peppers into a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them for about 20 minutes in the oven. Finally, uncover and bake for five more minutes to crisp the cheese.
- Microwave: Slice a pepper in half, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and then heat for two to three minutes until warm.
- Air Fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C). Put the peppers in the air fryer basket and cook them for six to eight minutes until heated through. As a result, you get a quick, crispy finish.
Tips for Best Results:
First, cool peppers completely before storing to avoid excess moisture. Be sure to label each container with a date so you can track freshness easily. Finally, avoid repeated reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can bake Costco’s premade stuffed peppers directly in their tray. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 50–60 minutes. Always confirm the internal temperature is at least 165°F (74°C) to guarantee they are heated safely before serving.
Costco stuffed peppers typically contain seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, tomato sauce, and a generous mozzarella topping. Additionally, they include bell peppers, onions, and herbs for flavor. Because these are pre-made, they often contain added preservatives and stabilizers. Making them at home allows you to use fresh vegetables, control sodium, and adjust seasonings to your taste.
These stuffed peppers provide protein, vegetables, and carbs, making them fairly balanced. Store-bought options, however, often have added sodium and preservatives. Cooking them yourself lets you control ingredients, choose lean meats or whole grains, and even make vegetarian versions to suit your diet.
The air fryer reheats premade stuffed peppers in minutes while adding a pleasantly crisp texture to the outside. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place peppers in the basket with space between them, and cook for 12–15 minutes. Halfway through cooking, verify the peppers’ center reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe serving.
Make It a Complete Meal
- Costco Stuffed Peppers Calories and Nutrition – Compare nutrition facts with the homemade version.
- Tram Sauce Recipe – Enhance stuffed peppers with a savory sauce.
- Blue Cheese History, Types and Culinary Uses – Add cheese variations for richer flavor.
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe – Pair with a light, healthy salad.
- Strawberry Mango Lemonade Recipe – Refreshing drink to complete the meal.
- The Pink Salt Trick Recipe – Master seasoning to improve flavor.
Conclusion for the Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Cooking at home always brings me back to the warmth of family kitchens, where simple meals created lasting memories. This Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe 2025 Amazing Easy Copycat gives you that same comforting feeling but with your own personal touch.
Pro Tip: Prepare extra peppers and freeze them individually for busy nights. That way, you always have a hearty meal ready in minutes.
If you liked this recipe, share it with friends and family to spread the joy of home cooking. Because good food is meant to be shared, leave a comment below with your favorite twist, you might inspire someone else’s kitchen tonight!
Trusted Resources for Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Understand the nutritional benefits of bell peppers from WebMD.
- Learn essential food safety tips for handling ground beef from the USDA.
- Discover various stuffed pepper inspirations from Food Network.
- Explore rice cooking techniques from Epicurious.