Costco is known for its bulk groceries, affordable prices, and plenty of options for feeding a family. But beyond the usual grocery staples, the warehouse also has a large selection of prepared foods that can save you time in the kitchen.
Sometimes, you just want something already made instead of cooking from scratch. Whether it’s a ready-to-eat meal, a family-sized dinner, or something you can quickly heat up, Costco has plenty to choose from. The harder part is figuring out which ones are actually worth your money.
In a Reddit discussion, Costco shoppers shared their favorite prepared foods, including the ones they keep buying and recommending to others. Here are 15 Costco prepared meals that shoppers say are worth every penny.
1. Meatloaf With Mashed Potatoes
Costco’s meatloaf and mashed potatoes received some of the strongest praise from shoppers, with several calling it one of their favorite prepared meals. The meatloaf comes with a sweet and savory tomato glaze, while the mashed potatoes are rich and buttery. Customers especially appreciate the generous portions, which can feed several people without the work of making meatloaf from scratch.
2. Shrimp Cocktail
Sometimes a simple prepared food ends up being one of the best purchases. Costco’s shrimp cocktail is a favorite among shoppers who appreciate getting a substantial amount of cooked shrimp without paying restaurant prices. It’s also versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, add to salads, or turn into shrimp wraps and other quick meals.
3. Teriyaki Chicken Yakisoba Noodles
Costco’s chicken yakisoba stir-fry kit has developed a loyal following among shoppers who love its combination of noodles, chicken, vegetables, and teriyaki-style sauce. The kit provides plenty of food, and several customers particularly appreciate the generous amount of vegetables. Some recommend using less sauce than included, but many households still buy it again for the convenience and flavor.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed peppers are one of those meals that can be surprisingly time-consuming to make yourself, which is part of their appeal at Costco. The peppers come filled with seasoned ground beef and rice, topped with tomato sauce and cheese. Shoppers often praise the portion sizes and say they’re a good value, especially when a package stretches across more than one meal.
5. Chicken Street Taco Kit
Costco’s chicken street taco kit gets plenty of attention for its flavor and the amount of food included. The package comes with prepared chicken, tortillas, shredded cabbage, cheese, salsa, and cilantro-lime crema, giving shoppers nearly everything they need for taco night. Customers especially like the creamy sauce, and some say the kit yields enough leftovers when served with rice or beans.
Related: You Should Stop Washing Your Chicken, According to the USDA — Here’s Why
6. Salmon Milano With Basil Pesto Butter
Costco’s Salmon Milano is a favorite for shoppers who want something a little nicer than the usual prepared dinner. The salmon fillets come topped with basil pesto butter, adding flavor without extra marinades or seasonings. Although it costs more than some of Costco’s other deli meals, fans appreciate the quality of the fish and the convenience of having it ready to cook.
7. Beef Chili
Costco’s prepared beef chili has earned plenty of fans, especially among shoppers who want a hearty meal with enough leftovers for another day. It’s made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, vegetables, and seasonings, topped with shredded cheese. Customers also like how easily it can be turned into several different meals, whether served in bowls, over baked potatoes, or on top of nachos.
8. Chicken Pot Pie
Costco’s oversized chicken pot pie is a popular choice for people who enjoy a traditional comfort-food dinner. It’s filled with chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce beneath a pastry crust, with enough food to serve several people. Opinions on the seasoning and texture are mixed, but fans often point to the substantial portions and the convenience of buying a full family-sized meal in one package.
9. Bulgogi Beef
Costco’s prepared bulgogi beef is another favorite among shoppers who enjoy putting together their own rice bowls. The marinated beef has a sweet and savory flavor, and customers often pair it with steamed rice, broccoli, kimchi, or a fried egg. It’s particularly appealing to households that want to stretch one package into several servings by adding vegetables and other inexpensive sides.
Related: If Store Shelves Go Empty, These 16 Items Could Be Worth Having at Home
10. Chicken Enchilada Bake
Costco’s chicken enchilada bake is a popular choice for shoppers who enjoy cheesy, filling casseroles. Made with rotisserie chicken, tortillas, beans, enchilada sauce, and cheese, it provides a substantial meal in one tray. Fans appreciate that it feeds several people and still leaves enough for lunch the next day, though those who prefer stronger seasoning may want to add their favorite salsa or hot sauce.
11. Chicken Salad
Costco’s prepared chicken salad is a favorite for shoppers who want something they can use throughout the week. Made with rotisserie chicken, celery, and creamy dressing, it comes in a large container you can divide into several meals. Customers enjoy serving it on croissants, sandwich bread, or crackers, making it a useful purchase for lunches, casual dinners, and gatherings.
12. Poke
For shoppers whose local Costco carries fresh poke, it’s often one of the most talked-about prepared seafood options. Customers enjoy the seasoned fish and the convenience of turning it into a rice bowl with ingredients like avocado, cucumber, edamame, or seaweed. Availability varies considerably by location, but fans say it’s worth checking the refrigerated seafood section.
13. Shepherd’s Pie
Costco’s shepherd’s pie has a loyal following who enjoy the hearty mix of meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. The large portion makes it appealing for family dinners, especially when compared with buying several individual prepared meals. While some shoppers find the filling or potato topping less appealing, others return for its comforting flavor and generous size.
14. Ravioli Lasagna
Costco’s ravioli lasagna has attracted fans who enjoy a cheesy pasta dinner with a little more variety than traditional lasagna. The prepared dish combines filled pasta with sauce and cheese, creating a substantial meal that shoppers can bake and serve at home. Some customers mention buying extra packages when they find them, since availability can vary between warehouses.
15. Rotisserie Chicken
No list of Costco prepared-food favorites would feel complete without the rotisserie chicken. Its low price and generous size have made it one of the warehouse’s most recognizable food purchases. Shoppers appreciate that it can serve as the centerpiece of dinner and still provide leftover chicken for sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles, making it one of Costco’s most loved prepared foods.
