Costco Prepared Meals: What to Buy and What to Avoid at All Costs

This curated ranking of Costco’s frozen and prepared meals is based on price, preparation quality, and broad consumer consensus.

The info has been synthesized from multiple taste-testing reports to help identify which bulk purchases are worth the freezer space and which should be avoided.

The Bottom Tier: High Regret Zone

23. Kirkland Deli Chicken Pot Pie — $24.00

• Score: 0/5

• Taste Test: Despite the high price point, this meal is frequently described as unpalatable. The gravy is often too thin, and the overall flavor profile is noted as being surprisingly poor for a deli-prepared item.

• Consumer Feedback: General consensus suggests this is one of the biggest disappointments in the deli section. Many users find the Sam’s Club version significantly superior in both texture and value.

• The Verdict: A definitive pass. The hour-and-a-half bake time is not rewarded with a quality meal.

22. Kirkland Chicken Bakes — $11.00 (6-pack)

• Score: 0.5/5

• Taste Test: These are criticized for being exceptionally dry. The chicken inside often has a texture comparable to shredded cardboard rather than tender poultry.

• Consumer Feedback: While they are a popular food court item, the frozen take-home version fails to replicate the experience. Reports indicate a severe lack of moisture and inconsistent filling quality.

• The Verdict: Only purchase if you have an abundance of dipping sauce to mask the dryness.

21. El Monterey Taquitos — $8.00

• Score: 1/5

• Taste Test: The filling is often described as a “mystery paste” rather than seasoned meat. The tortillas tend to be either too doughy or excessively hard after heating.

• Consumer Feedback: Multiple sources cite quality control issues and a lack of authentic flavor. The cheese content is negligible, and the overall texture is often gritty.

• The Verdict: A low-quality convenience food that relies heavily on artificial flavoring.

20. Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie (Frozen)

• Score: 1/5

• Taste Test: The crust often becomes soggy and falls apart, while the interior chicken cubes are described as dry and dense.

• Consumer Feedback: Long-time buyers suggest a formula change has occurred, noting that the gravy now has a soup-like consistency that leaks out during preparation.

• The Verdict: Avoid the frozen bulk pack; the textures simply do not hold up.

19. Noodle Stir Fry — $20.00

• Score: 1.5/5

• Taste Test: The primary complaint here is an overwhelming level of salt that makes the dish nearly inedible for many palates.

• Consumer Feedback: While the vegetable count is decent, the sauce is too aggressive. Most consumers suggest adding significant amounts of water or extra unseasoned noodles to make it palatable.

• The Verdict: Not recommended unless you intend to heavily doctor the recipe.

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The Middle Tier: Functional But Flawed

18. Ajinomoto Shoyu Ramen Bowl

• Score: 2/5

• Taste Test: The broth is the highlight, featuring a rich umami soy flavor. However, the chicken pieces are often described as oddly sweet and unpalatable.

• Consumer Feedback: Most agree that this is essentially a glorified instant noodle cup that doesn’t justify the “bowl” branding. The vegetables are too small to provide any real texture.

• The Verdict: Fine for a quick snack, but not a substantial meal replacement.

17. Bibigo Chicken Rice Bowl –  $13.50

• Score: 2.5/5

• Taste Test: This is a safe, bland meal. The teriyaki sauce is slightly too sweet, and the chicken can be stringy and dry.

• Consumer Feedback: It is often described as “kid-friendly” due to the lack of strong spices or bold flavors. It serves as a functional, albeit boring, work lunch.

• The Verdict: A “middle-of-the-road” option for when you need a quick, no-thought meal.

16. Chicken & Bacon Pasta — $7.12

• Score: 2.5/5

• Taste Test: The pasta holds up okay, and the spring onions provide a nice crunch, but the mayo-based cheese sauce can be heavy.

• Consumer Feedback: Users are split on whether to eat this cold as a salad or warm it up. When warmed, the sauce can become slightly greasy.

• The Verdict: A decent value for the quantity, but lacks a “wow” factor.

15. Tater Tot Casserole — $15.00

• Score: 3/5

• Taste Test: The ground beef is well-seasoned, but there is a notable lack of tater tots relative to the amount of meat.

• Consumer Feedback: Fans of the dish enjoy the crispy potato top, but many feel it needs a higher “tot-to-beef” ratio to be a true casserole.

• The Verdict: A solid comfort food option that could be improved with an extra bag of frozen tots on top.

14. Kirkland Pepperoni Pizza — $16.33

• Score: 3/5

• Taste Test: It is a reliable, aggressively mediocre pizza. The crust is serviceable, but the cheese blend tends to be oily.

• Consumer Feedback: Most consumers agree that while the value is great, the quality has stayed stagnant for a decade while other frozen brands have improved.

• The Verdict: Better than most supermarket frozen pizzas, but not as good as the Costco Food Court version.

13. Shepherd’s Pie — $25.66

• Score: 3.2/5

• Taste Test: This is a very heavy, potato-forward dish. The beef filling is savory, but the mashed potato topping makes up the bulk of the weight.

• Consumer Feedback: Some find the addition of a pastry crust on the bottom confusing, as it deviates from traditional recipes. It is a massive amount of food for the price.

• The Verdict: Good for feeding a large family on a budget, provided you enjoy a lot of potatoes.

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The Solid Tier: Reliable Favorites

12. Birds Eye Garlic Chicken – $10.69

• Score: 3.8/5

• Taste Test: Surprisingly flavorful with moist chicken and tender pasta. The garlic sauce is well-balanced and doesn’t taste overly processed.

• Consumer Feedback: Many were skeptical of this bag meal but were won over by the texture of the vegetables, which maintain a “snap” after cooking.

• The Verdict: An excellent nutrient-dense meal for busy weeknights.

11. Ajinomoto Yakisoba with Vegetables –  $18.15

• Score: 4/5

• Taste Test: The noodles have a pleasant chewiness and the cabbage retains a satisfying crunch. The sauce is rich and savory.

• Consumer Feedback: Most recommend thawing it in the microwave but finishing it in a pan to get some “char” on the noodles for a more authentic taste.

• The Verdict: One of the better frozen Asian-style noodle dishes available.

10. Peri Peri Wings — $3.47

• Score: 4/5

• Taste Test: These wings pack a legitimate punch of heat. They are succulent and the meat falls off the bone easily.

• Consumer Feedback: Buyers appreciate the price-to-quantity ratio. The spice level is compared to a “hot” or “extra hot” at specialty wing restaurants.

• The Verdict: A fantastic appetizer or protein addition for spice lovers.

9. Chicken Jalfrezi — $9.80

• Score: 4.1/5

• Taste Test: The chicken is tender and the sauce features visible chilies that provide a “grower” heat—it starts sweet and ends spicy.

• Consumer Feedback: It doesn’t come with rice, so you have to provide your own, but the sauce quantity is generous enough to cover multiple servings.

• The Verdict: A high-quality curry that rivals many takeout options.

8. Stuffed Bell Peppers — $18.00

• Score: 4.2/5

• Taste Test: These are packed with a high volume of ground beef and rice. The seasoning is leaning towards Italian herbs.

• Consumer Feedback: Most suggest adding extra cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. Some note that the peppers can be a bit firm, suggesting a longer cook time if you prefer them soft.

• The Verdict: A consistent, high-protein winner that feels like a home-cooked meal.

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The Elite Tier: Restaurant Quality

7. Meatloaf with Mashed Yukon Potatoes — $20.00

• Score: 4.4/5

• Taste Test: The meatloaf is well-seasoned and the glaze provides a classic sweet-and-savory finish. The Yukon gold potatoes are creamy and rich.

• Consumer Feedback: The convenience of having both the main and the side in one tray is highly valued. It is frequently cited as a meal that justifies the slightly higher price.

• The Verdict: A top-tier comfort meal for those who don’t want to deal with raw ground beef.

6. Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice — $17.00

• Score: 4.5/5

• Taste Test: This is a fresh-tasting meal with vibrant rice and well-marinated chicken. The toppings (salsa, beans, cheese) are well-proportioned.

• Consumer Feedback: Many travelers and hotel-stayers swear by this as the best “microwave-only” meal at Costco. It is fresh, filling, and healthier than most frozen alternatives.

• The Verdict: A must-buy for easy meal prepping or quick dinners.

5. Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter — $15.00/lb

• Score: 4.6/5

• Taste Test: The pesto butter melts into the salmon to create a rich, restaurant-style glaze. The fish stays moist even after baking.

• Consumer Feedback: Despite the higher price for farm-raised salmon, the seasoning is so well-executed that it receives “blue ribbon” praise from regular buyers.

• The Verdict: The best seafood option in the deli section.

4. Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice — $12.00

• Score: 4.7/5

• Taste Test: The rice grains are distinct and not clumped, and the chicken has a genuine grilled flavor rather than a boiled texture.

• Consumer Feedback: Widely considered the gold standard for frozen fried rice. It heats through in under 5 minutes and tastes authentic.

• The Verdict: An essential freezer staple.

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The Champions: Top 3 Legends

3. Kirkland Cauliflower Crust Pizza — $12.00

• Score: 4.8/5

• Taste Test: The crust is incredibly thin and crispy, with none of the “vegetable” aftertaste usually associated with cauliflower.

• Consumer Feedback: Many people who do not even follow a gluten-free diet prefer this over the standard flour crust pizza because of its superior crunch.

• The Verdict: The best frozen pizza Costco offers.

2. Kirkland Italian Sausage and Beef Lasagna — $15.00

• Score: 4.9/5

• Taste Test: This lasagna is dense with meat and high-quality cheeses. The sauce is herby and thick.

• Consumer Feedback: Frequently cited as the “best frozen lasagna on the market,” it is known for being consistently excellent every time.

• The Verdict: A restaurant-quality meal that is perfect for feeding a group.

1. Kirkland Tempura Shrimp — $15.00

• Score: 5/5

• Taste Test: The batter is light, airy, and remains very crispy even when prepared at home. The shrimp are large and sweet.

• Consumer Feedback: This is the highest-rated item by a significant margin. It is described as “foolproof” and superior to many restaurant versions.

• The Verdict: The absolute champion. It is the highest-quality item in the Costco frozen section.