Skip to main content

These incredible Costco deli meals will make your dinner prep so much easier

When you’re looking for solid shopping deals and food in-bulk, Costco is the place to be. Shoppers go crazy for Costco’s bulk prices on frozen food and bakery, as well as their awesome deals on home goods and even clothing. People sometimes forget that the big-box store made famous for its in-bulk products also has some great pre-prepared options in the deli.

What kind of prepared food does Costco have?

costco store exterior shot
Juan Llauro/Shutterstock

The deli isn’t just for lunch meat and cheese anymore. Costco’s deli has a wide offering of complete grab-and-go or take-and-bake meals that make weekday meal times a breeze. Those pre-prepared Costco deli meals are great for summer lunches or even easy family dinners, and customers rave about the delicious offerings. While the available options depend on the specific store and the season, Costco has brought back some tasty meals that are the perfect fit for a quick, delicious dinner.

Four Costco deli meals that are fan favorites for summer

closeup of four tacos on a plate

During your next trip to the land of bulk prices, be sure to slide up to the Costco deli and grab one of these super-convenient grab-and-go deli meals. Cooking them is quick and simple, and they’ll satisfy any craving.

Chicken Street Taco Kit

Nothing hits the spot mid-week like a Taco Tuesday celebration. That’s why Costco’s Chicken Street Taco Kit is the perfect go-to Tuesday night dinner. A typical kit comes with delicious diced chicken that’s already been seasoned and cooked, 12 corn tortillas, shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, cilantro lime crema, and even lime wedges to top off each taco. The pre-prepared meal goes for roughly $5 per lb, so you can feed a family of four with this Mexican feast for only about $15.

Kirkland Signature Stuffed Bell Peppers

For health-conscious households looking for an easy dinner on the healthier side, Costco’s stuffed bell peppers are just the ticket. Six colorful stuffed peppers are typically included in this pre-prepared meal, and each pepper contains rice, seasoned beef in tomato sauce, and a good dose of provolone and parmesan cheeses. One tray of six peppers is typically around $20 and each satisfying serving is under 400 calories. Simply throw it in the oven-safe container and enjoy this tasty, gorgeous, and healthy take-and-bake Costco meal.

Meatloaf

The classic comfort food, meatloaf has been a staple in the American family’s weekly dinner plan for generations. Costco’s take-and-bake meatloaf, while it’s pre-cooked, is a fan favorite. It’s smothered with ketchup and even comes with a generous side of mashed potatoes. Arguably the best thing about Costco’s meatloaf is the price. Pair up your meatloaf feast with a robust red wine or even a brown ale for an all-around satisfying dinner experience.

Rotisserie Chicken

A whole chicken is great for those traditional “meat-and-potatoes” kind of meals, or even for adding meat to casseroles and other dinner selections. It’s pretty intimidating to cook a whole chicken, though, which is why Costco’s famous Rotisserie Chicken is the perfect buy. At $4.99 a pop, these deliciously seasoned and rotisserie-cooked birds keep your grocery bill down while feeding the whole family. They can be diced up and used for any chicken dish in your recipe collection, or they can be eaten just as they come with a side of mashed potatoes.

Sides and pairings: What do you get from the Costco deli?

baking bread

Once you’ve grabbed your favorite grab-and-go Costco meal, be sure you pick up a couple of sides to complement it. Whether it’s a great salad mix, mixed vegetables, dessert, or one of Costco’s tasty flavors of bread, you’ll love having that extra flavor added to your take and-bake meal. Here are a couple of fan favorites among Costco’s delicious bread and dessert options.

Rosemary parmesan bread

Two loaves of this flavorful rosemary parmesan bread come in one package for only $6.99. Bread is a great addition to any meal, but particularly to Italian meals, like your weekly spaghetti and meatballs night. You can freeze one of the loaves to use later for delicious lunches like upgraded grilled cheese sandwiches, or you can cube it up and dry it out to make outstanding croutons for your weekly salads.

Cheese buns

When you’re looking to up your sandwich or burger game, you’ve got to have a great bun. Costco’s cheese buns are topped with a crisp layer of cheddar and parmesan cheeses to add a burst of flavor to your simple sandwich or grilled cheeseburger. With 12 buns included for roughly $9, they’re perfect for both parties and big family meals.

Tiramisu

What’s a mid-week dinner without dessert? When you’re scouring the Costco deli for your quick-and-easy meal this week, don’t forget to satisfy that sweet tooth with one of the many bakery offerings. One fan favorite is Costco’s Tiramisu Bar Cake. Sure, it costs between $15 and $17, but it contains at least eight generous servings of delectable tiramisu.

Costco isn’t just for bulk frozen foods anymore. Their deli has stepped up their game and it regularly offers some amazing pre-prepared meals, sides, and bakery items that are delicious, generous, and super easy to make. If you tend to dread cooking dinner mid-week, the meals and sides on this list will give you a family meal that’s both tasty and incredibly simple to make.

Editors' Recommendations

Veronica Sparks
Veronica Sparks is a writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who loves writing about gardening, home décor, and DIY life. She’s…
Start off 2023 right: 8 low-cal dinner recipes that are actually tasty
If losing weight is on your 2023 resolution list, then try these healthy dinner recipes
Family preparing a meal together

We all overindulge a bit during the holidays. Between the baking, the parties, and the cocktails, the average American puts on about 5 pounds during the holiday season. Although it’s a bit of a cliche, the new year can give you a clean slate and an opportunity for big and small changes. 

If you’re trying to drop a few pounds in 2023, you’re not alone. Eating healthier and losing weight are always on the top of the list for New Year’s resolutions. But going from sugar cookies and eggnog to a diet of celery and lettuce is way too drastic a jump for most people. That’s why we think you’re going to love our assortment of yummy, healthy, low-calorie meals that are super tasty — and easy to make.

Read more
These easy recipes will give you the traditional Christmas dinner you crave
The best tried-and-true holiday recipes for a traditional Christmas dinner
Group of people gathered for the Christmas holiday

The holiday season is a magical time, but it also gets pretty hectic. Between shopping, wrapping, baking, and going to parties, some of the most beloved traditions can get lost in the shuffle. Trying new ways to decorate your home for the holidays or experimenting with trendy Christmas recipes is always fun, but there’s something so comforting about returning to some classic Christmas dishes.

If you’re hosting this year's holiday celebration and looking for some fresh ideas for dinner, why not look to the past? We’ve compiled some of our favorite traditional Christmas dinner ideas to make this your most merry and bright gathering ever.

Read more
A small celebration can still be special: Amazing Christmas dinner ideas for two
Wow your special someone this year with an amazing experience for two
Couple dining together at Christmas

Just because you're not having a big gathering at your house for Christmas dinner doesn't mean you can't do something special for just the two of you. A small and cozy Christmas definitely has its upsides. Less preparation, less expense, less work, and more time to concentrate on the one person who matters the most to you can make the day even more special.

If there are just two for Christmas dinner this year, you won’t need huge portions, a dozen sides, or bottles and bottles of wine, but you can still create something special and festive. We have some easy-to-make recipes and decorating suggestions that will give you the merriest Christmas dinner just for you and your special someone.

Read more