A Kirkland Signature Stuffed Bell Pepper from Costco contains approximately 300 calories per pepper. The exact calorie count can vary slightly depending on the specific filling ingredients. However, a general calorie estimate for one Kirkland stuffed bell pepper is around 300 calories.
Nutrition Facts for Kirkland Stuffed Bell Peppers
The Kirkland Signature Stuffed Bell Peppers are jumbo bell peppers stuffed with a beef and rice filling. The nutritional information per 1 stuffed pepper is:
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 430mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 16g
As you can see, one stuffed pepper contains 300 calories, with 34g of carbs, 16g of protein, and 12g of fat. The majority of calories come from the carbohydrates and protein in the rice and beef filling.
Calorie Count of Kirkland Stuffed Bell Pepper Filling
To determine the calorie count per stuffed pepper, we need to look at the calorie breakdown of the filling ingredients:
- Cooked white rice: Around 160 calories per 1/2 cup cooked rice
- Ground beef: Approximately 150 calories for 2 ounces (57g) cooked ground beef
- Onion and seasonings: Around 30 calories
Adding up the estimated calories from each filling ingredient gives us approximately 340 calories total for the stuffing mixture. Once we account for the bell pepper itself providing very minimal calories, the total comes out to around 300 calories per stuffed pepper.
Does Kirkland Stuffed Bell Pepper Size Matter?
Kirkland Signature sells packs of different sized stuffed bell peppers, which will affect the calorie counts:
- 4 count pack (jumbo size): 300 calories each
- 6 count pack (large size): Around 250 calories each
- 12 count pack (medium size): Approximately 200 calories each
As you can see, the larger jumbo Kirkland stuffed peppers contain more filling and therefore more calories per pepper. The smaller sized packs have reduced calories per stuffed pepper.
Low Calorie Stuffing Options
To reduce the calories in Kirkland stuffed bell peppers, you can modify the filling with lower calorie ingredients:
- Replace half the beef with mushrooms or extra vegetables
- Use cauliflower rice instead of regular white rice
- Season with spices instead of oil or butter
- Use turkey or vegetarian meat crumbles
By swapping half the meat for veggies and using cauliflower rice, you may be able to cut down the calorie count to around 200 calories per jumbo pepper.
Health Benefits of Stuffed Bell Peppers
Though relatively high in calories, Kirkland stuffed bell peppers provide some beneficial nutrients:
- Protein from the beef to help fill you up
- Vitamins and minerals from the bell pepper
- Fiber from the rice, pepper, and vegetables
- Lower fat than many beef dishes
Bell peppers are an excellent source of immune boosting vitamin C and vitamin A. The rice filling also contains some carbohydrates for energy. So Kirkland stuffed peppers can be a nutrient dense addition to your diet when eaten in moderation.
Conclusion
A Kirkland Signature Stuffed Bell Pepper contains approximately 300 calories per jumbo pepper. Smaller sized peppers have around 200-250 calories each. While relatively high in calories, the peppers provide protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can also modify the filling to create lower calorie stuffed peppers. Overall, Kirkland stuffed bell peppers can be part of a healthy diet when portion sizes are controlled.