Costco Stuffed Pepper Recipe – 10 Min Dinner Copycat
Weeknight dinners don’t have to be a struggle. If you’ve ever wandered through the aisles at Costco and grabbed their famous stuffed peppers, you know just how satisfying that combo of seasoned beef, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese can be. But here’s the thing — once you make this homemade version of the Costco stuffed pepper, you may never go back to store-bought again.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to recreate that hearty comfort food at home in just a few simple steps. From ingredients and cooking methods to side pairings and prep tips, you’ll get everything you need for a cheesy, protein-packed dinner that hits the spot.
Why These Costco Stuffed Peppers Feel Like Home
I still remember the first time I reached for Costco’s prepared stuffed peppers. It was one of those long days—my son had soccer, I had back-to-back errands, and dinner felt like an impossible puzzle. I tossed the tray into my cart, popped it in the oven when we got home, and served it with a quick green salad. And just like that, the whole table was quiet—mouths full, bellies happy.
But as much as I love the convenience, I missed the ritual of cooking. The chopping, the bubbling skillet, the aroma of garlic hitting olive oil. So I made it my mission to recreate Costco stuffed peppers from scratch, using ingredients I trust and flavors that remind me of my grandmother’s kitchen in Asheville.
These peppers are more than a shortcut meal—they’re a hug on a plate. If you love hearty comfort food that comes together with real ingredients, this copycat recipe is for you. And if you’re in the mood to drizzle something flavorful on top, try spooning over a little homemade Tram Sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
What Makes Costco Stuffed Peppers So Good?
It’s all about balance. Costco’s version layers tender bell peppers with savory ground beef, fluffy white rice, and tangy marinara, then tops it all with melty Parmesan cheese. The result? A filling dish that satisfies without feeling heavy.
The texture contrast is key: slightly crisp peppers, juicy beef, soft rice. But the secret behind their signature flavor lies in simplicity—no overcomplicated spices or excess sauce. Just well-seasoned ingredients baked until everything melds together.
Want to make it even better? In the next section, I’ll show you how to recreate that iconic Costco stuffed pepper experience at home—with a few small tweaks that make a big difference.
Make It Better Than Store-Bought
Ingredients for Copycat Costco Peppers

To mimic the flavor and texture of the beloved Costco stuffed pepper, we start with ingredients that hit every note—savory, creamy, and bright. One of the key differences between the store-bought version and this homemade one is quality. When you control what goes into the pan, the result is noticeably fresher and more flavorful.
Start with lean ground beef or turkey—both work well, though ground turkey gives the dish a slightly lighter feel. Sauté that with onions and the chopped tops of the bell peppers you’ll be stuffing. It’s a no-waste move that also adds sweetness and texture.
For sauce, I highly recommend using Rao’s Homemade Marinara or another high-quality jarred option. It adds richness without being overly acidic or watery. You’ll stir in uncooked white or Basmati rice, some salt and pepper, and a splash of water or broth. Let it simmer gently until the rice is tender and the mixture smells like Sunday dinner.
Then comes the cheese—Parmesan, grated or shredded, stirred right into the warm mixture. It melts in slightly and gives the filling that signature Costco creaminess. Sprinkle extra on top before baking for a golden finish. Want a make-ahead drink pairing? A glass of chilled Sugar-Free Strawberry Limeade balances the meal perfectly.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Costco-Style Stuffed Peppers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Slice the tops off your bell peppers and remove the ribs and seeds. You can halve them or keep them whole—Costco uses whole peppers.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion with the chopped pepper tops for 3 minutes.
- Add ground meat, break it up, and cook until browned.
- Stir in about 14 oz of marinara, salt, rice, and water. Cover and cook on low until rice is tender (15–18 minutes).
- Add 1 cup of Parmesan and stir it in. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Stuff the peppers and place them in a 9×13 baking dish. Pour remaining marinara over the top if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. Uncover, top with remaining cheese, and bake 5 more.
Serve hot, and if you’re looking for a freezer-friendly side dish to prep ahead, check out how to freeze green beans the easy way.

Cooking Costco Stuffed Peppers: From Air Fryer to Oven
How to Cook Costco Stuffed Peppers (Store-Bought Version)
If you’re using the Costco stuffed peppers straight from the refrigerated section, you don’t need much effort to get dinner on the table. They’re fully assembled and just need heat to come to life.
Oven Method:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the plastic lid and cover the tray with foil. Bake for 50–55 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Remove foil and bake for an extra 5–10 minutes to brown the cheese.
Air Fryer Method (10-Min Hack):
Yes, you can air fry these! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place 1–2 peppers in the basket (don’t overcrowd) and air fry for 10 minutes. The tops will crisp up, and the filling will be hot and cheesy.
This 10-minute air fryer hack went viral for good reason—it transforms a convenient store-bought meal into a crispy, satisfying dinner in minutes. While it works great solo, you can toss together a quick side salad while it cooks for a balanced meal.
Looking for another prep-ahead side? These Freezing Green Beans tips come in handy when you want something green without extra steps.
Can You Air Fry Homemade Peppers Too?
Absolutely. The Costco stuffed pepper copycat recipe works beautifully in the air fryer—but with a few adjustments.
After stuffing the peppers and topping them with cheese, place them in the air fryer basket. Set to 360°F and cook for 10–12 minutes. If your air fryer tends to run hot, cover loosely with foil for the first 5 minutes to prevent over-browning. Finish uncovered so the cheese crisps slightly on top.
Air frying is also perfect for reheating leftovers. Set to 350°F and heat for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. The texture is often better than microwaving—especially if you’re trying to keep that lightly crisped top intact.
Next, we’ll look at what to serve with these peppers and how to store or freeze them for busy weeks ahead.
Serve & Pairings: Make It a Full Meal
What to Eat with Costco Stuffed Peppers

The beauty of the Costco stuffed pepper—and this homemade version—is that it’s already a complete meal. You’ve got protein, grains, and veggies in one tidy package. Still, the right side can take it from simple to special.
For something light and fresh, a classic green salad tossed with vinaigrette balances the richness of the filling. You can also serve it with roasted broccoli, garlic green beans, or a few slices of sourdough for sopping up the sauce.
Want a flavorful topper? A spoonful of Tram Sauce adds a savory punch. And for dessert, pair it with something comforting and smooth—like these Velvety Caramel Flan Muffins. They’re rich but not overpowering, which makes them just right after a hearty main.
Avoid sides that are too heavy or overly cheesy—since the peppers already bring bold flavor and richness, aim for contrast in texture and taste.
Meal Prep, Storage & Reheat Tips
This Costco stuffed pepper recipe is an absolute win for make-ahead meals. Once baked, the peppers store beautifully in the fridge or freezer.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes at 350°F.
Freezer: Let the cooked peppers cool completely. Wrap each in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating directions above.
Double the batch and freeze half—it’ll make future dinners easier without sacrificing flavor. And if you’re meal prepping, pair it with a make-ahead drink like Sugar-Free Strawberry Limeade to have a refreshing sipper ready for dinner.
FAQs About Costco Stuffed Peppers
How do I cook Costco stuffed peppers?
To cook the store-bought Costco stuffed peppers, preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover the tray with foil and bake for 50–55 minutes, then uncover and bake 5–10 more until the cheese is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can also cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes for a quicker option.
What to eat with Costco stuffed peppers?
These stuffed peppers pair well with a light green salad, garlic roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans. Since the dish is rich and hearty, lighter sides help balance the flavors. For dessert, try something smooth like flan or a refreshing drink like sugar-free lemonade.
Can I air fry Costco stuffed peppers?
Yes! Just place the Costco stuffed peppers into the air fryer basket at 400°F and cook for about 10 minutes. It crisps the cheese topping nicely while keeping the filling warm. For homemade versions, air fry at 360°F for 10–12 minutes, loosely covering with foil if needed to prevent over-browning.
What’s in Costco stuffed peppers?
The classic Costco stuffed pepper includes a whole bell pepper filled with seasoned ground beef, cooked rice, tomato-based marinara sauce, and shredded cheese—usually Parmesan. They’re pre-assembled and come ready to bake or air fry straight from the tray.
From My Kitchen to Yours
There’s something deeply comforting about scooping into a warm, cheesy Costco stuffed pepper—especially when it’s made with your own hands, just the way your family likes it. This recipe brings the best of both worlds: the cozy flavors of a homemade dinner and the ease of a ready-to-bake meal.
I hope this copycat version becomes one of those go-to recipes you keep in your back pocket for busy nights or relaxed weekends. Feel free to tweak it—try ground turkey, add mushrooms, or spice it up with red pepper flakes. That’s the beauty of home cooking. It bends and adapts to your table, your taste.
If you give it a try, I’d love to see your version! Please let me know how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below and tag @foodiecreator on Instagram and hashtag it #foodiecreator. It’s always a joy to see your creations in the wild—and even better when they’re served with a little extra love.
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Costco Stuffed Pepper Recipe – 10 Min Dinner Copycat
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender peppers filled with savory ground beef, rice, marinara, and Parmesan cheese—this copycat Costco stuffed pepper recipe is a quick and cheesy comfort meal perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, diced
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce (Rao’s recommended)
3 or 6 bell peppers (halved or whole)
1/2 cup uncooked white or Basmati rice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water or beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off pepper tops and remove seeds. Use 3 whole or 6 halves.
3. Chop pepper tops and sauté with onion in olive oil for 3 minutes.
4. Add ground meat, cook until no longer pink.
5. Add 14 oz marinara, salt, rice, and water. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes.
6. Stir in 1 cup Parmesan, season to taste.
7. Fill peppers evenly with mixture. Place in a 9×13 dish.
8. (Optional) Pour remaining marinara over top.
9. Cover with foil and bake 40 minutes. Remove foil, add remaining cheese, and bake 5 more minutes.
10. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Air fry cooked peppers at 360°F for 5–7 minutes to reheat.
Double the batch and freeze half for future meals.
For a side, serve with a fresh salad or steamed green beans.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg