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12 Costco Heat-And-Eat Meals That Make Takeout Seem Overrated

Save money on these flavorful prepared finds from the warehouse club's deli and freezer sections.

Costco store exterior and featured item
Updated May 27, 2025
Fact checked

Pass on pricey takeout and make your family's meals at home. Deals on ready-to-heat-and-eat buys are among the top Costco membership perks shoppers enjoy. And we've got you covered with the most popular prepared picks.

From a zesty enchilada bake to classic meatloaf and mashed potatoes, our favorites include something for everyone. These finds aren't just tastier than takeout, they'll also save you cash compared to restaurant prices.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Jose Andres Family Meal Spanish-Style Braised Beef

braised beef in sherry wine sauce

Price: $17.99

Set your dining room table with the fancy china and make an upscale meal that tastes like it came from one of the Jose Andres Group's gourmet eateries.

This tender Spanish-style braised beef features a delicately delicious sherry wine sauce. Snag the two-pack of 16 ounces each for under $18 right now.

Rana Organic Black Garlic Ravioli

organic black garlic ravioli

Price: $12.59

In the mood for Italian? Skip the same plain beef-stuffed ravioli you always order and try this black garlic and fontina cheese version at home.

Don't worry about paying a high price for this tasty item. Compare two 13-ounce packs for $12.59 to $17.99 for a single order of Olive Garden's Ravioli Carbonara.

Kirkland Signature Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

meatloaf and mashed potatoes

Price: $4.49 per pound

Enjoy a home-cooked meal without actually cooking. This hearty feast is a comforting classic you can enjoy any day of the year.

This KS deli prepared pick is fully cooked and ready for the oven. Just remove the plastic lid, place the main and side duo on a sheet tray, cover the savory selection in foil, and bake for 60 to 70 minutes at 375 degrees.

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Kirkland Signature Pepperoni Pizza

a pile of pepperoni pizza in a box

Price: $14.39

A thin, crispy crust, 100 percent real cheese, and plenty of savory pepperoni make this pizza a popular prepared purchase with Costco customers.

The frozen multi-pack includes four ready-to-heat pies. At $14.39, the in-store price is a bargain. One large pepperoni pizza from Papa John's costs over $18. And that doesn't include a delivery fee or a tip.

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

methaphum/Adobe person holding a wallet

June is here, and with it comes the start of summer, sizzling sales, and a fresh wave of markdowns. Keep an eye out for savings on:

  • Tools, grills, and outdoor gear

  • Swimwear and summer fashion
  • Patio furniture and garden decor
  • For grocery savings, stock up on seasonal produce like blueberries, corn, and zucchini

While you're soaking up the sun, retailers are already thinking ahead to back-to-school prep, making June a great time to save on summer essentials and snag fresh deals before the crowds catch on.

Kirkland Signature Mac and Cheese

mac and cheese in a small container

Price: $3.99

Like meatloaf and mashed potatoes, mac and cheese is a popular comfort food you can get for a steal. Instead of paying extra for delivery fees or a tip at a fast-casual restaurant, grab this Kirkland Signature deli entree for $3.99 per pound.

Rana Take Home Chicken Sesame Noodles

home chicken sesame noodles

Price: $12.99

Get all the flavor of your favorite Chinese takeout meal without the added price of delivery. This two-plus-pound meal kit includes thin wheat noodles, white meat chicken, veggies, and a tangy sesame sauce, all for less than $13. For reference, one chicken lo mein entree costs over $16 at P.F. Chang's.

Ajinomoto Japaense Style Gyoza

japanese style gyoza

Price: $14.99

If you have 12 minutes to spare, you have enough time to pan-fry these crispy pork and chicken dumplings. Save money on this bulk buy.

You will get 60 dumplings (five 12-piece trays for easy portioning), and this freezer section also includes an Asian-inspired dipping sauce. A takeout order of six pork gyoza costs $9 at Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse in Pennsylvania.

What do shoppers think of Costco's deal? Redditor MsMaiko raved, "These are the easiest fried dumplings I have ever made."

Sukhi's Butter Chicken with Turmeric Rice

a pack of butter chicken with turmeric rice

Price: $13.99

Costco's prepared foods feature a variety of global foodie finds, including this sumptuous butter chicken. This is more than a plain protein.

The three-bowl refrigerated pack also includes turmeric rice. And that means you can save money on the cost of a side. National chain, Bawarchi Indian Cuisine, charges $14.99 in its Arizona restaurant for a single order (minus the rice).

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Cuisine Solutions Honey Ginger Salmon

pack of honey ginger salmon

Price: $14.99 per pound

Packed with 23 grams of lean protein per serving, this flavorful fish is a healthy alternative to greasy takeout meals.

The soy, honey, ginger sauce adds an Asian flavor to the seared salmon, giving it a subtly sweet and savory taste. Pair this pick with Bibigo Cooked Sticky White Rice ($13.49), steamed asparagus, and air-fried baby potatoes.

Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill

Syda Productions/Adobe family shopping at grocery store

Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:

  • Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
  • Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
  • Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.

Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.

Kirkland Signature Enchilada Bake with Rotisserie Chicken

enchilada bake with rotisserie chicken

Price: $5.99 per pound

Costco's iconic rotisserie chicken is the star of this show. The KS deli prepared bake features the fan favorite along with black beans, pinto beans, tri-colored bell peppers, cheddar cheese, and a zesty chipotle sauce. If spice is an issue, caution: this casserole packs some serious heat.

Kirkland Signature Chicken Alfredo

pack of chicken alfredo

Price: $4.49 per pound

This heat-and-eat chicken meal is a quick, convenient option that doesn't require you to chop, measure, mix, or do any other prep work.

Costco shoppers get creative with this refrigerated deli entrée. Reddit user alarja used their smoker and noted, "It's very good. 10/10/ 185 for 20 minutes. 250 for one hour. Finish in the oven, covered at 400 until it's 165 degrees."

Kirkland Signature Stuffed Bell Peppers

stuffed bell peppers in a pack

Price: $4.99 per pound

A decadent blend of ground beef, rice, cheese, and seasonings makes these stuffed peppers a dinner winner.

An hour in the oven (at 400 degrees) and you'll have a meal for two, three, or even four. While you can serve this refrigerated find for dinner, the six-pepper pack is also an affordable appetizer.

Bottom line

Alfonsodetomas/Adobe getafe costco

You don't have to break the bank on expensive takeout meals. Instead, beat inflation prices by purchasing prepared food at Costco.

While the store has deep discounts on ready-made buys, these aren't the only bargains we spotted. You can also score deals on fresh produce to make a side salad, bubbly beverages for every entree, and delicious desserts.

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