Cooking has always been about connection for me. That’s why dishes like Costco stuffed peppers always bring me back to the joy of cooking and sharing food.
As a child, I watched my grandmother transform simple ingredients into pure comfort. Her kitchen smelled of roasted peppers and warm cheese.
Today, when life gets busy, I look for meals that balance nutrition and convenience. Costco stuffed peppers do both well.
This guide explores Costco stuffed peppers calories and nutrition facts. It helps you enjoy this quick meal with confidence.
Whether counting calories, seeking more protein, or craving an easy dinner, this info helps you choose smart.
I’ll also share a homemade version for fresh, warm flavors straight from your oven.
What Makes Costco Stuffed Peppers Popular
Costco stuffed peppers have become a go-to meal for busy households because they offer home-cooked flavor with almost no prep work.
In addition, each tray contains six pepper halves—perfectly portioned for quick dinners or meal prep. The filling combines seasoned ground beef, white rice, tomato-based sauce, and two cheeses, so it delivers a rich, savory flavor. In addition, it offers a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats in one serving.
Consequently, people love how simple they are to heat. You can place them in the oven or microwave, and then dinner is ready in minutes.
For this reason, they are ideal for families, students, or anyone needing a filling, balanced meal on a tight schedule.
Finally, explore more creative ways to make stuffed peppers with our additional recipes and tips.
Quick Popularity Snapshot
| Reason | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Convenience | Fully cooked, heat-and-serve meal |
| Flavor | Seasoned beef, rice, sauce, and cheese |
| Balanced Nutrition | Protein, carbs, and fat in one dish |
| Portion Size | One half pepper = one meal |
Costco Stuffed Peppers Calories Breakdown
Knowing the calories in Costco stuffed peppers helps you plan meals better and stay on track with nutrition goals.
On average, one half pepper contains about 370 calories. However, this number may vary slightly depending on the batch and store location.
In total, a full tray with six halves provides 2,100–2,400 calories. Therefore, understanding portion size is essential if you are watching calories or meal prepping.
Calorie Breakdown Table
| Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 half stuffed pepper (280–300g) | ~370 kcal |
| 1 full tray (6 halves) | ~2,100–2,400 kcal |
Macronutrients & Micronutrients Explained
Costco stuffed peppers deliver a balanced macronutrient profile, making them filling and satisfying. However, they also contain moderate fat and sodium, which some may want to monitor.
For each half pepper (about 300g), here’s what you can expect:
Macronutrient Breakdown Table
| Nutrient | Amount per half |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20–25g |
| Carbohydrates | 30–35g |
| Fat | 15–20g (9g saturated) |
| Sodium | 800–900mg |
| Sugar | 4–5g |
Micronutrient Highlights
- Vitamin C: Bell peppers supply over half of the daily recommended value.
- Calcium: Comes from mozzarella and parmesan cheese, supporting strong bones.
- Iron: Beef in the filling contributes iron, an essential mineral that helps carry oxygen and maintain energy levels.
Who Benefits Most?
These stuffed peppers work well for busy professionals and families seeking quick, balanced meals. Additionally, athletes may appreciate the 20+ grams of protein, while casual dieters can portion easily by eating one half pepper.
Are Costco Stuffed Peppers Healthy?
While Costco stuffed peppers suit many eating plans, they may not align with everyone’s dietary preferences. On one hand, they offer protein and whole ingredients. On the other hand, sodium and saturated fat are relatively high.
Health Pros
- High Protein: About 20–25g per half pepper helps support muscle maintenance and satiety.
- Whole Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers, beef, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese with no excessive preservatives.
- Rich in Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin C from peppers, iron from beef, and calcium from cheese.
Health Cons
- Saturated Fat: About 9g per serving, which is nearly half the daily limit for some people.
- High Sodium: Each half contains around 850mg of sodium, roughly 37% of the daily recommendation.
- Moderate Carbs: With 30–35g of carbs per serving, these may not fit strict low-carb or keto diets.
Tips to Make Them Healthier
- Add fresh sides: Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables to reduce sodium density.
- Limit cheese topping: Removing half the cheese before reheating lowers saturated fat.
- Opt for one half: Eating one half with low-calorie sides helps manage portion sizes.
For a light side that pairs well, try our Broccoli Cauliflower Salad.
Homemade Version (Quick DIY Option)
Making your own stuffed peppers at home gives you more control over ingredients and nutrition. For example, you can use leaner meats or swap rice for cauliflower rice to lower carbs. As a result, the dish becomes lighter while still delicious.
Homemade Ingredients
- 6 large red bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups cooked white rice
- 1 ½ cups marinara or tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Before you begin, take a moment to appreciate the simplicity of this recipe: each step turns everyday ingredients into a comforting, flavorful dish.
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, prepare peppers by cutting them in half and removing seeds and membranes. Arrange the halved peppers face up inside a baking dish.
- Cook Onion and Garlic
Warm olive oil in a skillet set over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Brown the Beef
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking apart with a spatula. Drain fat if needed.
- Mix Seasoning and Rice
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then mix in the rice and sauce, cooking until everything is well heated.
- Fill the Peppers
Spoon mixture into pepper halves. Afterward, add extra sauce if desired.
- Add Cheese
Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking another 10–15 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition Comparison (Costco vs Homemade)
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costco half pepper | ~370 kcal | 20–25g | 30–35g | 15–20g |
| Homemade half pepper | ~310 kcal* | 22g* | 26g* | 12g* |
Values vary based on ingredients (e.g., leaner beef or cauliflower rice).
Healthy Options and Flavor Boosters
- Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe – Make your own version at home with full control over nutrition.
- Pink Salt Weight Loss Recipe – Learn to use pink salt for a healthier diet.
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad Recipe – Pair stuffed peppers with a light, crunchy salad.
- Strawberry Mango Lemonade Recipe – Refreshing drink to complement a balanced meal.
- Natural Mounjaro Recipe – Health-focused recipe to add variety to your menu.
- The Pink Salt Trick Recipe – Essential tips for better seasoning.
Trusted Related Ressources about Costco stuffed Peppers Calories and Nutrition
To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the nutritional information in this article, we’ve referred to credible sources widely recognized in the nutrition and food tracking space. These links offer further details and allow readers to verify calorie counts, macronutrient ratios, and ingredient data for Costco’s Stuffed Bell Peppers.
Authoritative Nutrition Databases
- Eat This Much – Costco Stuffed Bell Peppers Nutritional Profile
A detailed analysis of macronutrients per serving, including fats, proteins, and carbs. - FatSecret – Costco Stuffed Peppers
User-reported and verified data for tracking calories, vitamins, and minerals per portion. - USDA FoodData Central (for general comparison)
A trusted source for checking similar food items and their verified nutritional values.
Health and Dietary Guidance
- American Heart Association – Saturated Fat Recommendations
Understand how saturated fat intake can affect cardiovascular health. - Mayo Clinic – Sodium: How to tame your salt habit
Learn why high sodium levels matter and how to moderate them in your diet.
FAQs for Costco Stuffed Peppers Calories and Nutrition
Here are answers to common questions about Costco stuffed peppers, written to be concise yet informative. Moreover, each response offers clear nutritional insights.
Each half typically delivers about 370 calories, including 20–25g of protein, 30–35g of carbs, and 15–20g of fat. Additionally, it provides Vitamin C, iron, and calcium. However, sodium is high at around 850mg, so those watching salt intake should be cautious.
Generally, yes. These peppers are made with simple ingredients including fresh bell peppers, seasoned ground beef, white rice, tomato sauce, and cheese. As a result, they deliver protein and key nutrients. On the other hand, sodium and saturated fat are moderate to high, so pair them with low-sodium sides for balance.
Stuffed peppers—regardless of where you buy them—usually provide protein, carbs, and vegetables in one meal. For instance, a typical stuffed pepper includes about 300–400 calories, 20–25g protein, 25–35g carbs, and 10–20g fat, depending on ingredients. Therefore, they can be a balanced choice.
Absolutely, if portion control is considered. A single pepper half can serve as a satisfying meal because it offers both protein and vegetables in one portion. Furthermore, swapping rice for cauliflower rice or using lean meats lowers carbs and fat. Thus, stuffed peppers work well for weight loss when eaten mindfully.
Costco Stuffed Peppers Calories and Nutrition Facts You Should Know
Costco stuffed peppers offer a convenient way to enjoy a hearty, balanced meal without the effort of cooking from scratch. Because every serving has protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, they are great for people who want a fast, balanced meal. However, their sodium and saturated fat content mean they should be eaten in moderation.
For a lighter option, try the homemade version using leaner meats or cauliflower rice. Additionally, pairing them with fresh sides—like our Broccoli Cauliflower Salad—helps balance nutrients and flavors.
In the end, Costco stuffed peppers remain a dependable choice when speed and simplicity are top priorities. So, whether you stick with Costco’s version or make your own, you can enjoy stuffed peppers with confidence, knowing exactly what’s inside.
PrintCostco Stuffed Peppers Calories and Nutrition Facts Simplified
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
These Costco-inspired stuffed bell peppers combine seasoned ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and melted cheese in sweet red peppers. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.
Ingredients
- 6 large red bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups cooked white rice
- 1 ½ cups marinara or tomato sauce (plus extra for topping)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange peppers face up in a baking dish.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion 3–4 minutes, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, rice, and sauce. Heat through.
- Spoon mixture into pepper halves. Add extra sauce if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American