Stuffed bell peppers with ground beef and rice
The stuffed bell peppers are among the finest prepared meals available at Costco, making for a fantastic one-dish dinner and a key reason I've kept my Costco membership all these years. They are filled with rice, vegetables, and sausage, all nestled in vibrant red, orange, and yellow peppers. The stuffing features ground beef, tomato paste, and two types of cheese—mozzarella and provolone. However, it’s the sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top that truly elevates the dish, adding a delightful salty flavor and a crispy crust.
Each package contains six pepper halves, generously filled with tasty ingredients. Unless you're extremely hungry, half a pepper is usually sufficient for a meal. They also reheat nicely in the microwave, but my little trick is to pop them under the broiler for a minute to revive that crispy cheese topping, even with leftovers. I've attempted to recreate these at home, but they never quite matched the original and ended up costing more once I gathered all the ingredients. If I had to choose just one premade food from Costco, this would definitely be it.
Beef and pork meatballs with pasta and sauce
These oversized meatballs are perfect for a family dinner with no preparation needed. Crafted from a blend of beef and pork, they offer a rich flavor. Since they come precooked, you won’t have to fuss with a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked—ideal for those of us who often find ourselves multitasking during mealtime. The pasta is also pre-cooked, generously smothered in marinara sauce, and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. All you need to do is heat and serve. If your kids are anything like mine and crave even more cheesy goodness, check out Costco’s fantastic selection of cheese for extra Parmesan to add before placing the tray in the oven.
These meatballs are quite large, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself cutting them in half to serve two. A knife and fork are essential to truly savor this dish, which is a hallmark of a great meatball in my opinion. For a quick meal, I like to chop them up in advance and mix them with the noodles and sauce. However, when served whole over the pasta and sauce, these massive meatballs create a stunning centerpiece for your meal that requires minimal time in the kitchen.
Salmon Milano with basil pesto butter
Salmon Milano is a delightful dish featuring salmon prepared with butter and herbs. The outcome is a moist, tender fish infused with vibrant herb flavors, and Costco's version is among the finest. They use high-quality salmon, and the herb topping adds an extra layer of flavor without any additional effort. The herb butter is conveniently placed on the salmon in just the right areas. As it cooks, the butter melts, forming a delicious coating on the fish. With generous pieces of dill, the butter's placement ensures that each bite of salmon is bursting with flavor. You may want to adjust the butter pats before placing the salmon in the oven to ensure they are evenly distributed. This dish not only looks impressive on the plate but also pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli and white wine, which is available at Costco in select locations.
Additionally, this option is one of the healthier choices due to the omega-3 fatty acids found in the generous portion of salmon. The only drawback is that, like most fish, it doesn't reheat particularly well. It's best enjoyed fresh, ideally when you plan to consume all (or most) of it in one sitting. True to Costco's reputation, this is a substantial piece of salmon, offering great value; a restaurant might charge two to three times more for a similar dish, and likely a smaller serving at that.
Macaroni and cheese
Costco's mac and cheese is an ideal choice for a shared side dish and is particularly popular with the younger members of my family. It features precooked pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy alfredo sauce. The indulgent sauce is among the most flavorful I've ever experienced, and it never fails to make my kids' faces light up when they spot it in our cart. What sets this mac and cheese apart from the options in the Costco freezer section is the generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese sprinkled on top. When baked, this cheese melts and becomes wonderfully crispy. For the best texture, I suggest removing the foil—recommended for covering the dish during baking—for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
At just $2.99 per pound, this prepared mac and cheese is also very affordable, making it my go-to option for potlucks when I'm short on time to whip up something from scratch. You can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins to make it unique or elevate it to a main course. Of course, it’s delicious on its own, and there’s enough to serve a large dinner with leftovers for lunch the next day. Plus, it freezes well, making it a great option for Costco shoppers with smaller households.
Grain and celery salad with apple cider vinaigrette
This is my go-to prepared salad from Costco because it comes with a generous amount of dressing and hearty grains that make it satisfying. While the kale poppyseed salad from Costco's produce section is popular, it doesn't have as many ingredients as this one, which stands out due to its rich flavor profile. The crunchy celery pairs nicely with fresh cabbage and carrots, along with the sweet dried cranberries. The addition of chickpeas provides extra protein, which I appreciate in a salad to help keep me full. When I meal prep, I portion out individual servings of this salad to enjoy for lunch throughout the week. It's one of the few salads that doesn't require any extra ingredients since it already includes veggies, protein, and ample dressing all in one.
The dressing comes in two packets, allowing you to control the amount you use. I suggest starting with one packet and mixing it in thoroughly before considering the second. If you plan to eat individual portions over several days, add one dressing packet to half of the salad and save the other for the remaining salad later in the week. This method prevents the salad from becoming soggy as it sits in the dressing for too long. The salad stores well in the fridge, and the flavors blend even more beautifully overnight.
Tandoori wrap with mint yogurt sauce
Prepared meals can be exciting, and Costco's tandoori wraps are a fantastic example. Bursting with flavor, they come with a creamy mint yogurt sauce. The tandoori chicken strikes a delightful balance of sweetness, savoriness, and spice, enhanced by coconut, garlic, and peppers. Although the wraps are pre-sliced, they are so generously filled with meat that I suggest cutting them into smaller portions. A half wrap is usually sufficient for my lunch or dinner, especially when paired with a salad or some fruit.
The yogurt sauce is a wonderful complement, and I appreciate that it’s served on the side, allowing you to adjust the amount to your preference. I typically pour a little on my plate and dip the wrap with each bite, while my kids prefer to generously spread it on top. If we happen to have any leftover sauce — which is rare — I like to drizzle it over shredded Costco rotisserie chicken in pitas with fresh veggies. These wraps are a great no-cook option since you don’t even need to turn on the oven. That’s why I often turn to Costco’s prepared salads, sandwiches, and wraps on hot days — all you need to do is cut your desired portion and enjoy!
How I chose Costco hidden gems
Taste was the primary factor we considered when selecting the must-try prepared foods from Costco. Convenience and value were also important, as many Costco shoppers aim to maximize their grocery budgets. I ensured to include options suitable for both lunch and dinner, along with a few no-prep meals and dishes ideal for sharing with a group. I appreciate Costco for its large portion sizes, which simplify feeding my family and packing leftovers for lunch, and many of these favorites fit that bill.
As a long-time Costco shopper, I've included prepared meals that I've consistently relied on for gatherings, whether at work, neighborhood events, or my children's birthday parties. I also consulted my kids about their favorite deli items from Costco, and they rated all of these selections an A-plus, which is fantastic since they are also the ones I frequently purchase for myself.
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