My family sampled and rated ten different frozen meals from Costco to determine the tastiest options.
Kirkland Signature's breaded panko shrimp was satisfactory but considered overpriced at $19.
Red's turkey-sausage breakfast burritos impressed me greatly; they’ll be a regular in my lunch rotation.
Much like many consumers inclined towards convenience foods—a market that has experienced remarkable expansion with recent sales surpassing $74 billion—I seek affordable ready-to-eat options for my family. My preferred shopping destination is Costco due to the economy gained by purchasing in large quantities.
The extensive selection of frozen meals found within Costco’s freezer section can be overwhelming. Sometimes taking a chance on bulk items can lead to regrettable choices if one isn’t familiar with their taste or quality.
To give some clarity about these offerings, my family of four evaluated ten assorted frozen dishes from Costco and ranked them from least favorite to most appealing.
Editor's Note: The products featured in this review were acquired between April and August 2024. Pricing and availability may differ based on location.
Kirkland Signature's Panko Shrimp: A Pricey Choice
The most expensive meal I purchased was the Kirkland Signature panko shrimp, which came in at $19 for a substantial two-and-a-half-pound box containing approximately 40 to 50 pieces intended for oven preparation.
Disappointment Upon Preparation
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The final product was visually appealing with melty mozzarella cheese boasting caramelized edges; however, I found it spicier than my ideal taste preference due to its notable black pepper kick. While there was an undertone of sweetness within the sauce that complemented tender noodle layers nicely blended with robust fennel-infused sausage meatiness, I wished it maintained lighter seasonings overall rather than overpowering spices. The portion proved ample enough not only for dinner but also provided plenty left over for lunch subsequent day!
An Energizing Breakfast Idea: Red’s Turkey-Sausage Egg’wich
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I envisioned having Red’s turkey-sausage egg’wich as a light breakfast treat.
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p>This option piqued my interest as it promises quick preparation while offering protein-rich low-carb fuel especially when gearing up towards multiple family wedding events ahead . It took no time at all—just 50 seconds per side microwaving yielded up delicious hot sandwiches formed entirely out nourishing ingredients like turkey sausage nestled between fluffy egg patties arranged perfectly .
This eight-pack costing $15 certainly presents decent nutrition although somewhat pricier compared against bulk frozen meals typically expected from Costco . < / div >
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Culinary Adventures with Frozen Meals: A Comprehensive Review
Exploring the Essence of Mandarin Chicken
The Crazy Cuizine Mandarin-orange chicken offers a delightful alternative reminiscent of a frozen orange chicken meal I'd often purchase from Trader Joe's. Both options feature frozen chicken bites accompanied by pouches filled with a sweet, tangy sauce that elevates the dish.
Effortless Cooking in the Air Fryer Preparing this meal in an air fryer was seamless. Within approximately 20 minutes, I had succulent chicken pieces ready to serve. The outer crust emerged incredibly crispy, reminding me of classic chicken nuggets without the sauce. Surprisingly, they surpassed some local Chinese restaurants' offerings in flavor and quality.
At $16.50 for a box big enough to feed my family four meals (when paired with white rice and vegetables), this is definitely a repeat purchase.
Deep Dish Delight from Authentic Motor City Pizza Co.
Eager to try one of Costco’s fan-favorite offerings, I picked up the Authentic Motor City Pizza Co.'s deep-dish double-pepperoni pizza. This package included two pizzas—each offering six generous servings—on sale for $10 (regularly priced at $13).
A Fluffy Yet Hearty Crust Even though it featured a thick crust, it maintained an airy texture that I thoroughly enjoyed. Loaded with gooey mozzarella cheese and both sliced and diced pepperoni combinations on top made this pizza enticing to all family members. Interestingly, as I unwrapped it, some pepperoni pieces scattered; however, this allowed me to easily set aside portions sans meat for my son who tends not to like it.
Unique Baking Techniques for Optimal Taste
After reviewing baking instructions recommending direct oven placement using its tray, I chose an alternative method wherein I placed them on top of a preheated cast-iron skillet instead. This added interesting texture and flavor!
For just $16 per box—a reasonable price for non-breaded seafood—I discovered Kirkland Signature garlic butter shrimp featuring two 1-pound bags inside which can be very handy for family dinners as one pound typically suffices.
Simple Preparation Made Delicious Preparation was straightforward: simply heat those shrimp sautéing them over medium heat until these perfectly cook through in about ten minutes; the buttery coating melts into each piece creating rich flavors that tantalize your palate!
Served atop fluffy white rice—the ultimate canvas soaking up excess deliciousness! Surprisingly tender right out from their frozen state brought immense satisfaction compared when attempting homemade versions—they usually don’t evoke such rapture among my kids!
Breakfast Reimagined with Red's Turkey-Sausage Burritos
I embarked upon experimenting multiple ways preparing Red’s turkey-sausage breakfast burritos due nostalgia paired alongside modern-day convenience foods! Initially improper methods like air frying led tearing apart tortillas while microwaving rendered overly chewy results leaving me unsatisfied until finding consistency switching between methods – first microwaving corners then air-frying briefly proved effective producing perfectly cooked outcomes every single time!.
A Flavorful Start to Any Day
In summary—the burritos offered delightful flavors executed excellently without being tiresome typical precooked eggs present otherwise found frequently within store-bought options! It certainly left nothing lacking within its crispy edges oozing melted contents revealing flavorful wonders packaged neatly inside each bite; even served ideally dipped alongside vibrant salsa brightening whole experience making memorable mornings altogether pleasurable occasions!
Rediscovering Burritos: A Flavorful Addition to Your Meal Routine
When you first hear about frozen burritos, the mind might conjure images of bland, mass-produced meals. However, contrary to that perception, these little packages of goodness—including their savory egg fillings—truly deliver on taste. The cheese melts perfectly into a gooey concoction, while the turkey sausage adds a rich flavor profile that's neither overwhelming nor dull. The seasoning strikes a delightful balance that manages to excite even the pickiest eaters without turning them away.
Beyond Breakfast: Versatile Meal Solutions
Don’t be misled by the breakfast label; these turkey-sausage burritos are incredibly versatile and have quickly become my preferred option for lunch as well. They simplify meal prep while ensuring every bite is satisfying.
An Affordable Indulgence
Priced at just $15.70 for a pack of 10 small burritos, they offer excellent value comparable to those found in convenience stores. However, unlike their less appealing counterparts, these burritos give off an impression of being premium quality.