Warm welcome to Recipes2Gather! Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorites: the Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe. This hearty, wholesome dish combines colorful bell peppers with flavorful seasoned ground beef, hearty rice, and gooey melted cheese, capturing all the ease and deliciousness busy home cooks cherish. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply meal-prepping for the week, these peppers deliver comfort and convenience in every bite.
At Recipes2Gather, we’re all about recipes that are simple, joyful, and packed with flavor. So grab your apron, and let’s dive right into this cozy classic that’s sure to become a regular at your dinner table.
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Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy, flavorful Costco-style stuffed peppers with ground beef, rice, and melted mozzarella—perfect comfort food!
Ingredients
- 6 large bell peppers (any color), tops sliced off and seeds removed
- 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 chopped parsley, for garnish (optional
Instructions
- Prep the Bell Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, rinse, then blanch in boiling water for 3–4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cook until soft. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, draining excess fat.
- Mix Filling: Add cooked rice, tomato paste, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stuff the Peppers: Arrange the peppers in a baking dish. Fill each with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down gently. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Peppers: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- To save time, prep the beef and rice mixture a day ahead.
- Ground turkey, quinoa, or brown rice can be used for a healthier twist.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven.
- Make it vegetarian with plant-based meat or lentils.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Key Benefits
Costco stuffed peppers aren’t just delicious—they’re a practical choice for busy households. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Time-Saving Simplicity: With minimal prep required, you can quickly assemble these peppers and let the oven do most of the work. Perfect for those bustling weeknights when every minute counts.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses affordable ingredients like bell peppers, ground beef, rice, and cheese—items easily found at Costco. It’s a wonderful way to create a hearty meal without straining your wallet.
- Nutritionally Balanced: Stuffed peppers are rich in protein from beef and cheese, fiber from rice, and vitamins from the bell peppers, especially vitamin C and antioxidants. This hearty dish is filling and keeps you happily satisfied.
- Customizable: Have picky eaters or dietary restrictions? This recipe is flexible! You can substitute ground beef for ground turkey, quinoa instead of rice, or switch up the cheese for variety.
- Great for Leftovers and Meal Prep: Costco stuffed peppers keep well in the refrigerator and reheat beautifully, ideal for meal-prep fans or for quick leftover lunches throughout the week.
Considering adding a nutritious side? Pair these peppers with a broccoli cauliflower salad for extra veggies and crunch!
Ingredients for Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious stuffed peppers:
- 6 large bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 1 ½ cups pre-cooked rice, either white or brown works perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prepare Peppers: Prep the peppers by cutting off the tops, removing seeds and white membranes, rinsing under cool water, and briefly boiling for 3-4 minutes before draining well.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and garlic, cooking gently until they release a delicious aroma. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Incorporate rice and spices: Stir cooked rice into the beef mixture along with tomato paste, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper, mixing thoroughly. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble and bake: Arrange peppers upright in a baking dish. Fill each pepper generously with beef and rice mixture, topping with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake until perfect: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers become tender and the cheese is bubbly with a golden crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving warm.
Pro Tips and Variations for Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
To elevate your Costco Stuffed Peppers, here are a few expert tips and variations:
- Flavor Boosters: For extra taste and texture, toss in mushrooms, spinach, or sweet corn.
- Cheese Lovers: If you’re big on cheese, combine mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for a delicious blend. Want something bolder? Try adding crumbled feta.
- Spice It Up: Want some heat? Add a little cayenne pepper or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based ground beef for a delicious meat-free alternative.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stuff peppers ahead of time, refrigerate, and simply pop them in the oven when ready to cook, saving you precious time.
Looking for another satisfying stuffed dish? If you’re looking for another cozy dish, check out our delicious Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole.
Serving Suggestions for Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Make these peppers a complete meal with these delicious sides:
- Serve with crusty bread to mop up every bit of that tasty sauce.
- Complement with a fresh garden salad drizzled with Italian dressing.
- Add a side of creamy mashed potatoes to round out this satisfying meal. Explore mashed potatoes recipes for inspiration.
- For a Mediterranean twist, serve with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad tossed in vinaigrette.
Trasted Ressources About Stuffed Peppers
- 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.
Conclusion
The Costco Stuffed Peppers Recipe is an absolute treasure for busy home cooks who crave hearty, nutritious, and satisfying meals. With its unbeatable blend of ease, affordability, and versatility, this dish epitomizes everything Recipes2Gather represents: joyful cooking, simple techniques, and meals designed to bring people together. Happy cooking and happy gathering!
FAQs
Bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until the peppers are soft and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Pair these delicious stuffed peppers with crusty bread, a fresh garden salad, or creamy mashed potatoes to make a satisfying meal.
Cook them at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes in your air fryer, checking to ensure they’re heated through and nicely browned.
No, Costco stuffed peppers typically come uncooked, ready to bake or air fry at home for maximum freshness and flavor.