Can you put Costco stuffed peppers in the microwave?

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Posted by4 years ago

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Can you put Costco stuffed peppers in the microwave?

I bought the stuffed bell peppers yesterday and baked 2 for dinner.

Can I take one to work and microwave it if I haven't baked it yet, or do they need to go through the oven first?

Many thanks!

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Can you cook Costco stuffed peppers in air fryer? You sure can! Get directions for Costco stuffed peppers in the oven or air fryer in this Costco stuffed bell peppers review. Kirkland stuffed peppers are a delicious comfort food you can find in the deli area at Costco. You’ll love this easy family dinner idea for busy weeknights. Just heat and eat this one-ingredient air fryer recipe!

Can you put Costco stuffed peppers in the microwave?

Let’s make Kirkland Signature Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef & Rice! (Pro tip: When it says “Kirkland,” we’re talking about Costco.) These are so simple and there are several ways you can make them.

IMHO, the best way to make this Costco stuffed bell peppers recipe is in an air fryer. You’ll save energy, you won’t heat up the house with the oven, and it’s a bit faster than oven baking.

However, if you don’t have an air fryer, I’ll also give the oven baking directions. You can find this Costco stuffed bell peppers with ground beef recipe on the package, but if you can’t read it, I’ve got you.

Do you like free things?

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(That print they use is so SMALL- it can be tough on my old eyes!)

We’ll also cover other questions you may have about the Kirkland Signature stuffed peppers. You’ll learn which special diets they fit (are they low carb?), pricing info, nutrition info, and much more!

Jump to:
  • 📋 Costco Stuffed Peppers Calories
  • ⭐ Costco Stuffed Peppers Nutrition
  • 🥘 Costco Stuffed Peppers Ingredients
  • 🍽 Equipment
  • 🔪 Costco Stuffed Peppers Cooking Instructions
  • ⏲️ Costco Stuffed Peppers in Air Fryer
  • 🌡️ How long do Costco stuffed peppers last?
  • 👪 What to Serve with Stuffed Peppers
  • 💭 Expert Tips from a Dietitian
  • FAQs
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 Best Stuffed Peppers Recipes
  • The Disclaimer…
  • 📖 Recipe

📋 Costco Stuffed Peppers Calories

Unfortunately, there is no nutrition information on the Costco stuffed peppers packaging. According to some online sources, one Costco stuffed pepper half provides 350 calories. There are six pepper halves in the package (six servings).

Can you put Costco stuffed peppers in the microwave?

⭐ Costco Stuffed Peppers Nutrition

Here is the nutrition info for one Costco stuffed pepper:

  • Calories: 350
  • Total fat: 16g
  • Saturated fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 810mg
  • Total carbohydrate: 23g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Net carbs: 21g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Protein: 26g

Are Costco stuffed peppers keto? No, the stuffed peppers from Costco are not keto because they contain rice. At only 21 grams net carbs each, you may be able to fit this food into a relaxed low carb diet.

🥘 Costco Stuffed Peppers Ingredients

What is in Costco stuffed peppers? Here’s what Costco puts in their stuffed peppers:

  • Cooked ground beef
  • Tomato paste
  • Water
  • Parboiled rice
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Provolone cheese
  • Vinegar
  • Onion
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Red peppers and green peppers (bell peppers)
  • Brown sugar
  • Spices
  • Garlic
  • Molasses
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Dried parsley

It's surprising these peppers contain three types of cheese. I don’t think they taste as cheesy as my homemade stuffed peppers.

They also contain a lot of different types of added sugar (white sugar, brown sugar, molasses). There isn’t a lot of added sugar per pepper, but IMO sugar isn’t necessary in stuffed peppers at all.

To cook Costco peppers, all you need is the package of peppers and some cooking spray.

🍽 Equipment

To oven bake Costco stuffed peppers, you need foil, an oven, and a meat thermometer. To air fry Costco stuffed peppers, you need foil, an air fryer, a meat thermometer, and a metal pan that fits in the air fryer.

I prefer using an air fryer oven for this recipe, as you can fit more peppers! I use a 10-Quart Kalorik Digital Air Fryer Oven. The Ninja Foodi, Philips, Instant Pot Vortex, Cosori, Nuwave, Breville, or whatever brand you have should cook stuffed peppers.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer you use. If you have a small air fryer basket, you may have trouble finding a pan to fit.

🔪 Costco Stuffed Peppers Cooking Instructions

How do you heat up Costco stuffed peppers? Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Remove the plastic lid from the stuffed peppers, and cover the tray with foil.

Can you put Costco stuffed peppers in the microwave?

I recommend spraying the underside of the foil with cooking oil spray. This helps keep the cheese topping the peppers from sticking.

Bake the peppers on the center rack in the oven for 50-60 minutes. Check with an instant-read thermometer to ensure the peppers reached a safe internal temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74C). That’s it!

How long to cook Costco stuffed peppers? It takes a total of 45 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit to air fry Costco stuffed peppers.

Preheat the air fryer to 375F (190C) for 5 minutes. Place peppers in a single layer in a small metal baking tray that fits your air fryer. I am able to fit 2-3 peppers in an 8-inch by 8-inch by 1.5-inch aluminum pan (20cm by 20cm by 3.8cm).

Cover the metal pan with foil. Don’t forget to mist the underside of the foil with cooking spray so the peppers don’t stick.

Air fry the peppers in the middle of the air fryer for 45 minutes. They need to cook this long to come to a safe temp, and to fully cook the rice.

Check the peppers with a thermometer to ensure they’ve reached 165F (74C) after air frying. You can add additional air frying time if needed.

Can you put Costco stuffed peppers in the microwave?

🌡️ How long do Costco stuffed peppers last?

Both cooked and uncooked Costco stuffed peppers last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Keep them in a covered food-safe container, such as the metal tray they come in. I don’t recommend freezing Kirkland Signature stuffed peppers (more on this in the FAQs below).

👪 What to Serve with Stuffed Peppers

What goes with stuffed peppers? Stuffed peppers have a balance of macros that can serve as an all-in-one meal. If you want some sides for stuffed peppers, try one of these:

  • Air Fryer Garlic Bread
  • Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
  • Vegan Spinach Salad

💭 Expert Tips from a Dietitian

This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). Stuffed peppers are a pretty good bet for a food that supports weight loss goals. You get plenty of filling protein, plus high-volume and low-calorie veggies.

Counting the tomato or pepper as a fruit, Costco stuffed peppers give you all the food groups. These peppers are BIG, and I think one piece could serve as a light meal by itself. Teens, athletes, and others with higher energy needs may need an additional helping or two.

If you’d like to keep things low cal but want more food, I’d add a side salad with low-oil dressing.

Like many ready-made foods, Costco’s stuffed peppers are rather high in sodium. They also contain a little added sugar that isn’t necessary for flavor, IMVHO. If you’re on a low sodium diet, homemade stuffed peppers without salt added are a healthier option for you.

These peppers are also not the best choice if you want to lower the saturated fat in your diet. You could make homemade heart healthy stuffed peppers with lean ground beef or ground turkey instead. (Of course, that will be quite a bit more work.)

Sometimes a nutritionally-imperfect ready-made option can serve in a pinch if you don’t have time to cook. Unlike most fast-food options, Costco stuffed peppers provide a decent amount of veggies, and will likely save money compared to takeout.

FAQs

How much do Costco stuffed peppers cost?

At the time of writing, Costco stuffed peppers cost $4.29 per pound, or about $15-20 per package. Costs are subject to change, and may vary depending upon your location.

Are Costco stuffed peppers precooked?

The rice in Costco stuffed peppers has been parboiled, which means it was partially cooked. The beef in Costco stuffed peppers is fully cooked. Costco stuffed peppers have a fairly long cooking time because they have not been completely precooked.

Are Costco stuffed peppers gluten free?

The ingredients list of Costco stuffed peppers is technically gluten free. However, there is a risk of cross-contact with gluten-containing foods since they’re manufactured in a facility that processed wheat. Thus, Costco stuffed peppers may not be safe for those with celiac disease.

How to cook Costco stuffed peppers in microwave?

Since the rice in Costco stuffed peppers isn’t fully cooked, I don’t recommend microwaving them. If you must, put them on a microwave safe plate (NOT metal!) and microwave on high, checking every 5 minutes or so. The peppers are done when they’ve reached an internal temp of 165F (74C).

Are Costco stuffed peppers healthy?

Costco stuffed peppers contain a respectable amount of high-quality protein, as well as phytochemical-rich veggies. That said, they are likely much higher in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar than stuffed peppers from scratch. For this reason, I don’t think Costco stuffed peppers are the most nutritious option out there.

Can you freeze stuffed peppers from Costco?

You can technically freeze Costco stuffed peppers, but they get watery and the texture isn’t the best when defrosted. If you'd like to cook Costco stuffed peppers from frozen, this stuffed bell peppers air fryer recipe has reheating info.

👩🏻‍🍳 Best Stuffed Peppers Recipes

Are you looking for more easy recipes for stuffed peppers? You may enjoy these:

  • Stuffed Bell Peppers (Air Fryer or Oven Baked)
  • Mini Pepper Nachos
  • Bell Peppers for Weight Loss

Join our community! Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter to be kept up-to-date on all of the latest and greatest recipes! You can also follow me on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

The Disclaimer…

All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.

The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be wildly inaccurate, so please don't sweat the numbers too much.

For more information on how the three recipe levels may help with a weight management goal, refer to my overnight oats no sugar post. Let's get cooking!

📖 Recipe

Leave a rating by clicking the ⭐ below!

Can you put Costco stuffed peppers in the microwave?

Costco Stuffed Peppers (Air Fryer or Oven Kirkland Signature Recipe)

Get directions for Costco stuffed peppers in the air fryer or oven right here. Easy family dinner idea!

Cook Time 45 mins

Total Time 45 mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

  • 1 package Costco stuffed peppers
  • cooking spray of choice

  • To air fry:

    Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Place peppers in a single layer in a small metal baking tray that fits your air fryer. I am able to fit 2-3 peppers in an 8-inch by 8-inch by 1.5-inch aluminum pan (20cm by 20cm by 3.8cm). 

    Cover the metal pan with foil. Don’t forget to mist the underside of the foil with cooking spray so the peppers don’t stick. 

    Air fry the peppers in the middle of the air fryer for 45 minutes. Check the peppers with a thermometer to ensure they’ve reached 165°F (74°C).

  • To oven bake:

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the plastic lid from the stuffed peppers, and cover the tray with foil. Make sure the underside of the foil has been sprayed with cooking oil spray.

    Bake the peppers on the center rack in the oven for 50-60 minutes. Check with an instant-read thermometer to ensure the peppers reached a safe internal temp of 165°F (74°C).

Save this Recipe

This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). If you’re looking for a food that supports weight loss goals, stuffed peppers are a pretty good bet. You get plenty of filling protein, plus high-volume and low-calorie veggies.

If we’re counting the tomato or pepper as a fruit, you get all the food groups with Costco stuffed peppers. These peppers are BIG, and I think one piece could serve as a light meal by itself. Teens, athletes, and others with higher energy needs may need an additional helping or two.

If you’d like to keep things low cal but want more food, I’d add a side salad with low-oil dressing.

Like many ready-made foods, Costco’s stuffed peppers are rather high in sodium. They also contain a little added sugar that isn’t necessary for flavor, IMVHO. If you’re on a low sodium diet, homemade stuffed peppers without salt added are a healthier option for you.

These peppers are also not the best choice if you want to lower the saturated fat in your diet. You could make homemade heart healthy stuffed peppers with lean ground beef or ground turkey instead. (Of course, that will be quite a bit more work.)

Sometimes a nutritionally-imperfect ready-made option can serve in a pinch if you don’t have time to cook. Unlike most fast-food options, Costco stuffed peppers provide a decent amount of veggies, and will likely save you money compared to takeout.

Nutrition information is for one serving (one stuffed pepper).

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 26gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 810mgFiber: 2g

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How do you heat up Costco stuffed peppers?

Convenience. The Costco Kirkland Signature Stuffed Bell Peppers are so easy to bake in the oven! You just remove the plastic lid from the tray, cover it in aluminum foil and pop the tray in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 50 to 55 minutes!

Are Costco stuffed peppers fully cooked?

Are Costco stuffed peppers precooked? The rice in Costco stuffed peppers has been parboiled, which means it was partially cooked. The beef in Costco stuffed peppers is fully cooked. Costco stuffed peppers have a fairly long cooking time because they have not been completely precooked.

Can you heat up stuffed peppers in the microwave?

Here's how to reheat stuffed peppers in the microwave. On a microwave-safe plate or dish, place the stuffed peppers facing upwards. Please do not put them on top of each other. Pop the dish in the microwave for 2 minutes.

How do you cook store bought stuffed peppers?

Conventional Oven Instructions.
Preheat 375°F. Leave film on tray, do not vent..
Place tray on a baking sheet, center rack..
Cook 65 minutes. * Remove baking sheet from oven..
Let stand 5 minutes. Uncover, spoon sauce over peppers..