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Complete Guide

Costco Meatball Recipes: 8 Ways to Use Kirkland Meatballs

Kirkland Meatballs: Every Product, Every Heating Method, and 8 Recipes Worth Making

Published February 14, 2024

Quick Answer

Costco carries three main meatball products under the Kirkland Signature label: Italian-style beef and pork meatballs (about $14.99 for 64 oz), Italian-style turkey meatballs (about $13.99), and teriyaki-flavored beef meatballs (about $14.99). All three are fully cooked and just need to be heated through — in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, on the stovetop in sauce, or in a slow cooker. Italian meatballs shine in spaghetti, subs, and soup; teriyaki meatballs are great over rice or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

The Kirkland Signature meatball lineup at Costco is a weeknight dinner cheat code. Three different varieties — Italian beef and pork, Italian turkey, and teriyaki-glazed beef — sit in the freezer section ready to anchor a pasta dinner, a meatball sub, or a saucy appetizer platter. Every single one is fully cooked, which means you're just heating, not cooking. The 64-ounce bags clock in at roughly 80 meatballs each, making them cost-effective for feeding families or meal prepping for the week. Each variety has its own best applications: the Italian meatballs have the classic beef-and-herb flavor profile that plays well with marinara and on hoagie rolls, while the teriyaki meatballs bring a sweet, savory soy-ginger glaze that pairs perfectly with steamed rice and vegetables. This guide covers what to buy, how to heat Costco meatballs without drying them out, and eight recipes — from quick weeknight spaghetti to slow cooker grape jelly meatballs — that make the most of every bag.

What Meatball Products Does Costco Sell?

Costco typically carries three Kirkland Signature meatball varieties: Italian-style beef and pork meatballs, Italian-style turkey meatballs, and teriyaki beef meatballs, all sold in 64 oz bags. The Italian beef and pork variety is the most versatile — seasoned with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, they work in pasta, subs, soups, and appetizers. The turkey meatballs are a leaner alternative with a similar flavor profile, ideal for those watching saturated fat intake. The teriyaki meatballs come pre-glazed with a sweet soy-ginger sauce and are best used in Asian-inspired dishes or served as party appetizers. Product availability can vary by location and season, so check the freezer aisle near the prepared proteins.

How to Heat Costco Meatballs

Because Costco meatballs are fully cooked, you have several heating options. Oven method: spread frozen meatballs on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Stovetop method: add meatballs directly to a simmering sauce in a large skillet or saucepan and heat covered for 10–15 minutes, turning once — this is the best method for keeping them moist, since they absorb some of the sauce. Slow cooker method: place frozen meatballs in the slow cooker with your sauce of choice, set to low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours. Microwave in a pinch: heat 6 meatballs on a microwave-safe plate covered with a damp paper towel for 2–3 minutes at full power.

The Best Meatball Recipes

Italian Costco meatballs are at their best in classic spaghetti and meatballs — just simmer them in a quality marinara (Rao's from Costco is a natural pairing) for 15 minutes while the pasta boils. Meatball subs are another top use: heat meatballs in sauce, pile onto hoagie rolls, add provolone, and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese bubbles. For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, slow cooker grape jelly meatballs require just two ingredients — a jar of grape jelly and a bottle of chili sauce — and make an absurdly addictive party snack. Meatball soup is another winner: add Italian meatballs to a pot with chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes, white beans, and spinach for a 20-minute dinner.

How to Use Teriyaki Meatballs

Kirkland teriyaki meatballs are among the most versatile items in the Costco freezer section. The most obvious use is teriyaki meatball bowls: heat the meatballs in a skillet, serve over steamed white or jasmine rice, and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. They're equally excellent as an appetizer — serve them in a slow cooker on the warm setting with toothpicks and extra teriyaki sauce on the side. For a 20-minute weeknight dinner, stir-fry frozen teriyaki meatballs with broccoli, snap peas, and bell peppers in a hot wok, then serve over noodles or rice. The pre-applied glaze means no additional sauce is needed, though a drizzle of sriracha or rice vinegar can brighten the dish.

Recipes to Try

rotisserie chickeneasy

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas

Costco rotisserie chicken enchiladas are the weeknight dinner that feels like a treat but takes less than an hour. The chicken is already cooked and seasoned, so all you're doing is shredding, rolling, saucing, and baking. Use a good store-bought enchilada sauce and a generous handful of Costco shredded Mexican blend cheese, and dinner is done.

45 min·6 servings
$2.33/serving
rotisserie chickeneasy

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

Homemade chicken noodle soup in under 40 minutes sounds too good to be true, but starting with a Costco rotisserie chicken makes it completely real. You skip the hours of simmering raw chicken by using already-cooked, already-seasoned meat and adding the carcass to the broth for extra depth. The result tastes like something that's been on the stove all day.

40 min·8 servings
$1.87/serving
rotisserie chickeneasy

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Street Tacos

Street tacos are the fastest, most satisfying thing you can make with a Costco rotisserie chicken. The chicken is already seasoned, the prep is minimal, and the whole meal comes together in 15 minutes. Use small corn tortillas, stack them two deep, and don't skip the lime — it makes everything brighter.

15 min·4 servings
$3.00/serving
rotisserie chickeneasy

Costco Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Bake

This pasta bake is the ultimate use of two Costco pantry staples: rotisserie chicken and Rao's marinara. Toss them together with rigatoni and a generous amount of mozzarella, bake until bubbly, and you have a dish that serves six and reheats beautifully for the rest of the week. It's a reliable crowd-pleaser that takes about 20 minutes of active time.

55 min·6 servings
$4.83/serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Costco meatballs pre-cooked?+
Yes, all Kirkland Signature meatballs sold at Costco are fully cooked before packaging. This means you're only heating them to a safe serving temperature of 165°F, not cooking raw meat. They can go straight from the freezer into the oven, slow cooker, or a simmering sauce without any thawing required. This makes them one of the fastest protein options in the Costco freezer aisle — dinner can be on the table in 20 minutes or less.
How do you heat Costco meatballs without drying them out?+
The best way to heat Costco meatballs without drying them out is to simmer them directly in sauce. When heated in a liquid environment, the meatballs stay moist and absorb flavor from the sauce at the same time. If using the oven, avoid overbaking — 15–20 minutes at 350°F is enough; going longer will dry them out. In the microwave, always cover with a damp paper towel to trap steam. For the slow cooker, keep the lid on and resist lifting it frequently, as each lid lift releases significant heat and moisture.
Can you freeze Costco meatballs after opening the bag?+
Yes, you can refreeze unused Costco meatballs after opening the bag, provided they haven't been thawed for more than 1–2 days in the refrigerator. Transfer the remaining meatballs to a zip-top freezer bag, press out the air, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. It's helpful to portion them into meal-sized amounts (12–18 meatballs) before refreezing so you can pull out exactly what you need. Cooked meatballs that have already been heated and sauced will also freeze well for up to 2 months.
How many Costco meatballs are in a serving?+
The standard serving size listed on Kirkland Signature meatball packages is 6 meatballs, which is typically enough for one adult as part of a pasta dish or sub. For a family of four, plan on using 24–30 meatballs (about a third to half the bag). For appetizer use, guests typically eat 4–8 meatballs each, so a full bag of 80 meatballs can serve a party of 10–20 people as one of several appetizers.
What sauce goes best with Costco Italian meatballs?+
Classic marinara is the most versatile sauce for Costco Italian meatballs, and Rao's Homemade marinara (also sold at Costco) is an excellent match — its rich, slow-simmered tomato flavor complements the garlic and herb seasoning in the meatballs. For meatball subs, a thicker, chunkier marinara works best because it clings to the bread without soaking it. For a richer alternative, try simmering the meatballs in a rose sauce (marinara plus a splash of heavy cream). Grape jelly and chili sauce is the go-to for party appetizers — the combination sounds unusual but produces an intensely flavorful sweet-and-tangy glaze.