Craving a restaurant-quality meal but don’t feel like cooking—or spending big on takeout? Costco has you covered. Tucked inside its prepared meals section are hidden gems that shoppers rave about for their rich flavors, generous portions, and lightning-fast prep. From fork-tender lamb shanks to bubbling lasagna and even buttery lobster tails, these dishes go from fridge to table in minutes and taste like something you’d get at your favorite bistro. Whether you’re short on time or just want a delicious dinner upgrade, these 11 Costco picks deliver the flavor of dining out—without ever leaving home.
1. Herby Lamb Shanks That Melt Off The Bone
Imagine serving fall-off-the-bone lamb without spending hours in the kitchen. A La Carte’s Herbes de Provence Lamb Shanks deliver exactly that luxury with zero cooking skills required. These pre-cooked shanks come bathed in a rich sauce infused with the classic French herb blend of thyme, rosemary, and lavender.
The meat becomes incredibly tender during the slow-cooking process, developing deep flavors that taste like you’ve been monitoring them all day. Simply heat according to package directions and pair with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Your dinner guests will never believe this restaurant-worthy meal came from your freezer!
2. Pesto-Topped Salmon Fillets Worth Savoring
Fresh salmon transforms into a gourmet experience with Costco’s Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter. These individually portioned fillets come pre-seasoned and ready to cook, saving precious prep time without sacrificing flavor. The vibrant basil pesto butter melts beautifully over the salmon during cooking, creating a fragrant, herb-infused sauce that perfectly complements the rich fish. Bright notes of dill add complexity to each bite, making this dish taste like something from an upscale seafood restaurant. Pop these in the oven for about 15 minutes, and you’ll have a protein-packed centerpiece that pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
3. Short Rib Lasagna That Tastes Homemade
Craving homemade Italian comfort food without the three-hour commitment? Rana’s Beef and Short Rib Lasagna delivers that slow-simmered flavor in just minutes from your microwave or oven. Each layer tells its own delicious story – tender pasta sheets, premium beef and rich short rib ragu that tastes like it’s been reducing for hours, velvety béchamel sauce, and perfectly melted cheese.
The short rib component elevates this beyond ordinary lasagna, adding a depth typically found only in high-end Italian restaurants. Keep one in your freezer for those nights when you deserve something special but lack the energy to create it from scratch.
4. Roman-Style Pizza That Rivals Authentic Pizzerias
Pizza night gets a serious upgrade with Kirkland Signature’s Margherita Pizza. Unlike typical frozen pizzas, this Roman-style Pinsa crust creates the perfect balance of crispy exterior and airy interior that pizza aficionados crave. The San Marzano-style tomato sauce offers that authentic sweet-acidic balance that forms the foundation of any great pizza.
Fresh mozzarella melts into creamy pools across the surface, while basil pesto adds aromatic herbal notes that bring everything together. Just 10 minutes in a hot oven transforms this freezer staple into a pizza that would make Italian grandmothers nod in approval. Pair with a simple arugula salad for a complete meal that feels special.
5. French Petits Fours That Transport You To Paris
Hosting friends just got easier with Château Fougères French Petits Fours. These bite-sized savory pastries bring Parisian café charm to your home with zero baking required. The variety pack includes buttery cheese quiches with creamy centers and delicate garlic puffs that practically melt in your mouth. Each pastry features authentic French flavors and that distinctive light, flaky texture that’s nearly impossible to achieve at home without professional training. Arrange them on a wooden board with some grapes and olives for an instant appetizer that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. Your guests will think you’ve been secretly taking French pastry classes!
6. Luxurious Lobster Tails For Special Occasions
Nothing says celebration like lobster, and Kirkland Signature Wild Warm Water Lobster Tails bring that special-occasion feeling to your home without the restaurant markup. These impressive tails offer substantial meat with that sweet, distinctive flavor lobster lovers crave. Already split and ready for cooking, these tails require minimal prep work.
Simply brush with butter, add your favorite seasonings, and broil for a few minutes until the meat turns opaque and slightly firm. The presentation alone will wow your dinner guests, especially when served with drawn butter and lemon wedges. For a fraction of restaurant prices, you can create a seafood feast that feels genuinely luxurious any night of the week.
7. Sweet Dungeness Crab Ready In Seconds
Seafood lovers rejoice! Kirkland Signature Wild Cooked Dungeness Crab Sections deliver the sweet, delicate flavor of premium crab without the tedious work of cooking and cleaning live crustaceans. These fully-cooked sections come ready to enjoy after a quick thaw – no special tools or techniques required. The meat is remarkably tender with that distinctive sweet flavor that makes Dungeness crab a prized catch among seafood enthusiasts. Serve chilled with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce for a classic approach, or quickly warm and toss with pasta and butter for an impressive 10-minute meal. Either way, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality seafood without the restaurant wait or price tag.
8. Maple-Glazed Rainbow Carrots With Gourmet Appeal
Forget boring side dishes! Chef Hak’s Organic Roasted Rainbow Carrots bring vibrant color and unexpected flavor to your dinner plate with zero chopping or seasoning required. These heirloom carrots come in stunning purple, yellow, and orange varieties, each roasted to caramelized perfection and glazed with a subtle maple Dijon sauce.
The natural sweetness of the carrots intensifies during roasting, while the glaze adds a sophisticated sweet-savory balance. Simply heat according to package directions, then transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired. These paleo-friendly veggies elevate any protein from ordinary to special occasion-worthy, all while keeping preparation effortless.
9. Authentic Dim Sum Dumplings In Minutes
Craving authentic dim sum without the restaurant visit? Royal Asia Prawn Hacao dumplings bring the delicate flavors of high-end Chinese restaurants directly to your table with minimal effort. These translucent dumplings feature a tender wrapper that’s just the right thickness, encasing plump, seasoned shrimp with subtle notes of bamboo and sesame. The texture contrast between the slightly chewy wrapper and succulent filling creates that authentic dim sum experience food lovers seek out. Steam them for about 5 minutes or follow the microwave directions for an even quicker preparation. Serve with soy sauce, chili oil, or black vinegar for dipping, and enjoy restaurant-quality dim sum without leaving home.
10. Japanese-Inspired Noodle Stir Fry In A Flash
When takeout cravings hit but you don’t want to wait for delivery, Costco’s Yakisoba Stir Fry with Chicken comes to the rescue. This complete meal kit combines tender noodles, seasoned chicken pieces, and crisp vegetables in one convenient package. The savory sauce delivers authentic Japanese flavors with notes of soy, ginger, and subtle sweetness that coats every strand of noodle perfectly.
Unlike many prepared meals, the vegetables maintain their crunch, providing satisfying texture contrast. Ready in just minutes on your stovetop or microwave, this yakisoba tastes remarkably similar to what you’d order at your favorite Japanese restaurant. Keep a package on hand for those busy evenings when cooking feels impossible but takeout feels too expensive.
11. Comfort Food Meatloaf That Tastes Like Mom’s
Sometimes only classic comfort food will do, and Costco’s Meatloaf with Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes delivers that homestyle satisfaction without hours of preparation. This nostalgic duo comes ready to heat and serve, perfect for hectic weeknights. The meatloaf features a perfect blend of seasonings and a tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully during reheating. Alongside, the creamy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes offer that buttery, velvety texture that makes this humble side dish so irresistible. Heat according to package directions, and in minutes, you’ll have a complete meal that tastes like it simmered all day in grandma’s kitchen. Add a simple green vegetable for a balanced dinner that satisfies those comfort food cravings instantly.
Leave a comment