25 Costco Prepared Meals, Ranked—Our Brutally Honest Taste Test Results

July 10, 2025

Costco’s prepared meal section is a goldmine for busy families—or a trap of regret if you pick the wrong tray. To save you time, money, and fridge space, we taste-tested 25 different Kirkland Signature and other Costco ready-to-eat meals.

From cheesy pastas to global flavors, here are our unfiltered rankings, from worst to best. Read on!

25. Tuscan Chicken Wraps $6.99/lb

Verdict

Soggy, salty, and skimpy on the chicken. The flavors clash more than complement.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 390
Fats: 22g
Carbs: 28g
Sodium: 850mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 18g

Ingredients:

Tortilla, chicken, cream cheese, olives, spinach, red pepper pesto, bell peppers.

Prep Instructions:

Ready to eat cold.

24. Shepherd’s Pie $3.79/lb

Verdict

Dry mashed potatoes and mushy, overly sweet filling make this a miss.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 460
Fats: 27g
Carbs: 34g
Sodium: 970mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 20g

Ingredients:

Ground beef, mashed potatoes, peas, carrots, gravy.

Prep Instructions:

Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

23. Butter Chicken with Naan $5.99/lb

Verdict

Great sauce, but the texture of the chicken is questionable.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 420
Fats: 20g
Carbs: 38g
Sodium: 990mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 24g

Ingredients:

Chicken, cream, tomato paste, naan bread, butter.

Prep Instructions:

Oven or microwave, heat until 165°F.

22. Udon-Noodle Salad $4.49/lb

Verdict

Miso dressing is nice, but soggy noodles and limp veggies disappoint.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 370
Fats: 18g
Carbs: 40g
Sodium: 810mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 12g

Ingredients:

Udon noodles, slaw mix, miso dressing, peanuts, lime.

Prep Instructions:

Toss and serve cold.

21. Chicken Pot Pie $3.99/lb

Verdict

Starts great but quickly becomes too rich and salty.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 520
Fats: 32g
Carbs: 35g
Sodium: 1050mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 24g

Ingredients:

Chicken, pie crust, peas, carrots, cream sauce.

Prep Instructions:

Bake at 375°F for 60-70 minutes.

20. Beef Bulgogi Korean BBQ $6.99/lb

Verdict

Too sweet, and beef pieces fall apart while cooking.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 380
Fats: 18g
Carbs: 30g
Sodium: 1100mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 17g
Protein: 24g

Ingredients:

Beef, soy sauce, sugar, onions, sesame oil.

Prep Instructions:

Pan-fry for 5-7 minutes.

19. Meatballs with Rigatoni $4.49/lb

Verdict

Huge portion but underwhelming meatballs and overly sweet sauce.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 510
Fats: 25g
Carbs: 42g
Sodium: 920mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 28g

Ingredients:

Rigatoni, beef & pork meatballs, marinara sauce, cheese.

Prep Instructions:

Bake at 400°F for 50 minutes.

18. Grain & Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette $4.99/lb

Verdict

Wholesome ingredients but too dry and overdressed with red onion. Lacks balance.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 320
Fats: 15g
Carbs: 38g
Sodium: 720mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 10g

Ingredients:

Quinoa, bulgur, kale, chickpeas, cranberries, almonds, celery, apple cider vinaigrette.

Prep Instructions:

Ready to eat cold; toss with additional dressing if desired.

17. Mac and Cheese $3.99/lb

Verdict

Extremely cheesy, but overly rich and greasy for most palates.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 480
Fats: 29g
Carbs: 36g
Sodium: 950mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 18g

Ingredients:

Cavatappi pasta, cheddar, romano, parmesan, cream, butter.

Prep Instructions:

Bake at 400°F for 40-60 minutes.

16. Take & Bake Combo Pizza $16.99/Each

Verdict

Crisp crust and loaded toppings, but not Costco’s best pizza value.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 420
Fats: 22g
Carbs: 38g
Sodium: 890mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 20g

Ingredients:

Pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers, mozzarella, Pinsa crust.

Prep Instructions:

Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes.

15. Take & Bake Margherita Pizza $16.99/Each

Verdict

Same great crust, but toppings are underwhelming compared to the combo.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 410
Fats: 20g
Carbs: 36g
Sodium: 850mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 18g

Ingredients:

Mozzarella, tomatoes, pesto, San Marzano-style sauce.

Prep Instructions:

Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes.

14. Stuffed Bell Peppers $20.96

Verdict

Hearty and filling, though a little bland for adult palates.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 390
Fats: 19g
Carbs: 28g
Sodium: 870mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 24g

Ingredients:

Ground beef, rice, tomato paste, mozzarella, provolone.

Prep Instructions:

Bake at 400°F for 50-55 minutes.

13. Garlic-Seasoned Chicken Wings $3.99/lb

12. Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas $4.69/lb

Verdict Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful—a spicy crowd pleaser.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 430
Fats: 23g
Carbs: 30g
Sodium: 960mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 24g

Ingredients:

Chicken, pinto & black beans, chipotle sauce, cheddar.

Prep Instructions:

Bake at 400°F for 50-60 minutes covered loosely with foil.

11. Gyro Kit $6.49/lb

Verdict

All-in-one kit with great balance of meat, veg, and sauce.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 440
Fats: 25g
Carbs: 32g
Sodium: 880mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 20g

Ingredients:

Gyro meat, pitas, tomato-cucumber salad, tzatziki, feta, onions.

Prep Instructions:

Heat meat and pitas; serve with cold toppings.

10. Chicken Alfredo $4.49/lb

Verdict

Creamy but not overwhelming, with tender chicken and enough for two meals.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 470
Fats: 26g
Carbs: 36g
Sodium: 930mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 28g

Ingredients:

Penne pasta, Alfredo sauce, grilled chicken, parmesan, cream.

Prep Instructions:

Bake at 400°F for 50–60 minutes.

9. Chicken Quesadillas $4.99/lb

Verdict

Cheesy, satisfying, and comes with great sides. Kid-approved.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 420
Fats: 22g
Carbs: 32g
Sodium: 850mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 24g

Ingredients:

Chicken, cheese, flour tortillas, salsa, sour cream, guacamole.

Prep Instructions:

Heat in skillet with oil for crispy texture.

8. Yakisoba Stir Fry $5.99/lb

Verdict

Fast, veggie-packed, and family-friendly. Just the right sweetness.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 400
Fats: 14g
Carbs: 45g
Sodium: 880mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 20g

Ingredients:

Noodles, chicken, broccoli, carrots, peppers, yakisoba sauce.

Prep Instructions:

Stir-fry in a large pan or wok for 8–10 minutes.

7. Ravioli Lasagna $4.99/lb

Verdict

A fun twist on lasagna that’s easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 480
Fats: 25g
Carbs: 36g
Sodium: 920mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 24g

Ingredients:

Ravioli, beef & pork Bolognese, mozzarella cheese, marinara.

Prep Instructions:

Bake at 375°F for 60 minutes, uncover last 5 mins.

6. Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Cilantro-Lime Rice $4.99/lb

Verdict

Like a fast-casual burrito bowl—flavorful and filling.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 460
Fats: 20g
Carbs: 42g
Sodium: 940mg
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 26g

Ingredients:

Chicken, rice, corn, beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, lime.

Prep Instructions:

Bake at 400°F for 40 minutes, add toppings afterward.

5. Rotisserie Chicken $4.99/approx. 3 lbs

Verdict

Juicy, affordable, and endlessly versatile. A staple.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 200 (per 3 oz)
Fats: 11g
Carbs: 0g
Sodium: 460mg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 23g

Ingredients:

Whole seasoned roasted chicken.

Prep Instructions:

Ready to eat or reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

4. Southwest Wrap with Rotisserie Chicken $6.99/lb

Verdict

Moist, flavorful, and perfect for lunches. A repeat buy.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 390
Fats: 21g
Carbs: 28g
Sodium: 870mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 22g

Ingredients:

Chicken, tortilla, corn, black beans, chipotle sauce.

Prep Instructions:

Ready to eat or warm slightly.

3. Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter $11.49/lb

Verdict

Elegant and delicious, with pesto butter that elevates every bite.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 420
Fats: 28g
Carbs: 4g
Sodium: 760mg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 38g

Ingredients:

Atlantic salmon, basil pesto butter, parsley, dill.

Prep Instructions:

Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes (check for 145°F doneness).

2. Chicken Street Tacos $5.59/lb

Verdict

Fresh, flavorful, and fun to assemble. Tastes like restaurant-quality tacos.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 360
Fats: 17g
Carbs: 28g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 24g

Ingredients:

Seasoned chicken, corn tortillas, cabbage, cheese, crema, salsa, lime.

Prep Instructions:

Microwave or pan-heat chicken and tortillas; assemble with toppings.

1. Meatloaf with Mashed Yukon Potatoes $2.99/lb

Verdict

Hearty, comforting, and surprisingly loved by the whole family despite its divisive reputation.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 500
Fats: 29g
Carbs: 35g
Sodium: 980mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 24g

Ingredients:

Ground beef meatloaf, Yukon mashed potatoes, glaze.

Prep Instructions:

Bake at 375°F for 60 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.

Conclusion

Costco’s prepared meals offer a wide range of flavors and values — from family-friendly crowd-pleasers to rich, indulgent flops. While a few fell short on taste or texture, most surprised us with their convenience, portion size, and flavor.

Whether you’re stocking up for busy nights or just want to skip the stove, our taste test proves there’s a Costco meal for every palate — you just need to know which ones to grab (and which to leave behind).