Costco stuffed peppers are a convenient and tasty pre-made meal option sold at Costco stores. They provide a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, like many pre-made foods, they can also be high in sodium. Understanding the full nutritional breakdown can help you determine if and how often to enjoy them.
What are the ingredients in Costco stuffed peppers?
Costco stuffed peppers contain the following main ingredients:
- Red, yellow, and/or orange bell peppers
- Ground beef
- White rice
- Tomato sauce or pasta sauce
- Onions
- Garlic
- Salt
- Spices and seasonings
The exact recipes can vary slightly between different stuffed pepper products at Costco. Some versions may also contain small amounts of vegetables like corn, carrots, peas, or spinach.
How many calories are in Costco stuffed peppers?
One large Costco stuffed pepper contains approximately:
- Calories: 330
- Total fat: 16g
- Saturated fat: 6g
- Trans fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 730mg
- Total carbs: 31g
- Dietary fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 19g
The calorie count comes mostly from the ground beef and rice. The saturated and trans fats are also contributed mainly by the ground beef filling.
What vitamins and minerals are in stuffed peppers from Costco?
Costco stuffed peppers contain a variety of important vitamins and minerals, including:
- Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 190% DV
- Vitamin B6: 15% DV
- Vitamin B12: 20% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
- Magnesium: 7% DV
- Phosphorus: 15% DV
- Zinc: 25% DV
- Copper: 6% DV
- Manganese: 7% DV
These nutrients come primarily from the bell peppers, tomato sauce, beef, and rice. The high vitamin C content is especially notable, since bell peppers are an excellent source of this antioxidant vitamin.
Are Costco stuffed peppers high in sodium?
Yes, one large Costco stuffed pepper contains 730mg of sodium. This represents about 31% of the recommended daily sodium intake.
While peppers naturally contain some sodium, most of the sodium in stuffed peppers comes from additional salt, as well as salt-heavy ingredients like tomato sauce, beef, and rice.
The high sodium content is one nutritional downside of these convenient stuffed peppers. Those limiting sodium due to high blood pressure or other health issues may want to enjoy them only occasionally.
Do Costco stuffed peppers contain any preservatives?
Costco’s pre-made stuffed peppers do not contain artificial preservatives. However, they are packaged in a modified atmosphere containing a mix of gases (such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide) to help preserve freshness.
Once opened, the stuffed peppers should be eaten within 3-5 days for food safety.
Are Costco stuffed peppers gluten-free?
No, regular Costco stuffed peppers are not gluten-free. They contain white rice, which has traces of gluten.
However, Costco does offer a gluten-free stuffed pepper option made with brown rice instead of white rice. This version is safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Can you freeze and reheat Costco stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can safely freeze leftover Costco stuffed peppers for later use. To freeze:
- Allow stuffed peppers to cool completely.
- Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat from frozen:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout.
- You can also reheat single portions in the microwave.
How long do Costco stuffed peppers last?
In the refrigerator:
- Unopened package: Use by the sell-by date, around 2 weeks
- After opening: 3-5 days
In the freezer:
- 2-3 months for best quality
The sell-by date on the package, storage method after opening, and handling can impact exactly how long the stuffed peppers last. Discard any with an off odor or appearance.
How can you tell if Costco stuffed peppers are bad?
Signs that Costco stuffed peppers have spoiled and should be discarded include:
- Mold growth
- Slimy texture
- Sour or rotten smell
- Discoloration of the filling
- Peppers appear shriveled or soggy
- Beef filling looks gray or brown
Ways to eat Costco stuffed peppers
Costco stuffed peppers are fully cooked and ready to eat straight from the package. Some easy ways to enjoy them include:
- Heat and serve.
- Cut up and add to salads, bowls, or wraps.
- Serve over rice or quinoa.
- Top with shredded cheese, salsa, or sour cream.
- Slice and use in omelets or frittatas.
- Purée into a dip or sandwich spread.
Costco stuffed pepper recipes
Beyond enjoying Costco stuffed peppers as-is, you can also incorporate them into many tasty recipes, such as:
- Stuffed Pepper Soup – Purée cooked stuffed peppers with broth and cream.
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole – Mix chopped stuffed peppers with rice or pasta, cheese, and bake.
- Mexican Stuffed Pepper Skillet – Sauté stuffed peppers with beans, corn, spices, and top with eggs.
- Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers – Stuff peppers with Costco pepper filling plus feta, olives, and herbs.
- BBQ Beef Stuffed Peppers – Use BBQ sauce in filling and finish with more sauce.
Costco stuffed pepper nutrition facts
The nutrition information for a typical Costco stuffed pepper is:
| Nutrition Facts | Per 1 pepper | 330 calories |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 16 g | |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g | |
| Trans Fat | 1 g | |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg | |
| Sodium | 730 mg | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31 g | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g | |
| Sugar | 6 g | |
| Protein | 19 g |
Is eating Costco stuffed peppers healthy?
Costco stuffed peppers can be a nutritious choice when enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. Benefits can include:
- Provide fiber, vitamins A, C, B6, and B12.
- Contain lean protein from beef.
- Are low in sugar.
- Make a convenient individually portioned meal.
Potential downsides to consider:
- High in sodium – at 730mg per pepper.
- Higher in saturated fat and cholesterol due to beef.
- May contain unwanted additives depending on exact ingredients.
Overall, enjoying Costco stuffed peppers occasionally can be healthy. But they may not be the best choice for every day due to the high sodium content. For a more balanced nutritional profile, try making stuffed peppers at home with leaner meats, fresh tomatoes, and spices instead of salt.
Costco stuffed pepper price
The price for Costco stuffed peppers depends on your location and specific item, but typically ranges from:
- 4-pack of peppers: $8.99 – $12.99
- 8-pack of peppers: $15.99 – $18.99
When in stock, Kirkland Signature brand stuffed peppers are usually the most affordable option.
The per-pepper cost breaks down to around $2.25 to $4.75 each. Bulk packs offer a lower per-unit price.
Where to find Costco stuffed peppers in stores
At Costco warehouses, stuffed peppers can typically be found in the following refrigerated sections:
- Prepared Foods/Meals
- Deli Area
- Vegetarian Products
Availability varies by location and season. Visit the prepared foods area and check end caps for stuffed pepper stock.
Can you buy Costco stuffed peppers online?
Currently, Costco does not offer their pre-made stuffed peppers for online delivery or purchase through Instacart or the Costco website.
However, some third-party websites like Amazon or Walmart sometimes carry Costco stuffed peppers for delivery if you cannot find them at your local warehouse.
Conclusion
Costco’s convenient stuffed peppers provide a good amount of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and lean protein in each pepper. However, the high sodium content per serving is a nutritional downside to keep in mind. Enjoying Costco stuffed peppers occasionally can fit into a balanced diet, but making lower sodium versions at home may be healthier for regular consumption. Check your local Costco refrigerated prepared foods section for availability.