I've Tried Dozens of Costco Frozen Meals And This Is My Favorite

Get dinner ready quickly and for less with these bargain Costco frozen meals.

By Erica Loop

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Sept. 24, 2024

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Costco is your go-to bulk bargain buy if you’re looking to save on everyday essentials. It has a super-sized selection of condiments, snacks, and even auto accessories, but it’s also known for high-quality, low-priced frozen meals.

With aisles of freezer section options at affordable prices, it isn’t always easy to decide on one meal. And, that’s why we’ve narrowed down the category to our favorite frozen foods.

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

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Winner: Ajinomoto Japenese-Style Vegetable Fried Rice

Price: $12.99

If you’re a fan of Trader Joe’s Japanese fried rice, you’ll fall in love with this Costco version. Don’t worry if you’re not a vegetarian; this is a must-have buy that everyone adores.

Between the marinated tofu, delicately seasoned rice, savory seaweed, edamame, carrots, and other veggies, this frozen food champ has absolutely everything you could want in one meal and more.

Each three-plus-pound box of fried rice comes with four individual packs. In minutes, the rice goes from frozen to a steaming soy sauce-covered side or main meal.

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Runner-Up: Don Lee Farms Grilled Chicken Patty

Price: $9.97

At under $10 for 12 patties, this bag of frozen antibiotic-free chicken is more than just another affordable option.

You won’t find a lengthy list of hard-to-pronounce chemical ingredients in this tender pre-cooked poultry. They’re made with all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken, onion, sugar, seal salt, spice, and garlic/

Bake, broil, microwave, or cook the patties in a skillet. Serve the savory chicken on a whole-grain bun, top it with cheese, or add your favorite veggies to the mix.

Runner-Up: Bibigo Beef Bulgogi Mandu Dumplings

Price: $13.89

These dumplings are always a hit. Made with USDA Choice beef and packed with plenty of veggies, every bite is a serious taste sensation. The Korean-style bulgogi is fully cooked and ready to heat and eat.

All you need to do is pan-fry the dumplings. But if you’re looking for an easier option or want extra-crispy edges, some shoppers swear by air-frying this frozen meal.

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Runner-Up: Sabatasso’s Pizza Singles

Price: $14.09

We’ve all been there — everyone wants pizza but can’t agree on whether to eat plain cheese or pepperoni. With this popular pick, you don’t have to make a decision.

The 12-pack of pizza singles includes six cheese pies and six with pepperoni. At just over one dollar per pizza, each mini is a bargain, and they’re easy to heat and serve.

Just pop these pizzas into the microwave, bake them in the oven, or (if you’re daring) air-dry them to crispy perfection.

Runner-Up: Kirkland Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks

Price: $15.79

Step away from the other chicken nuggets. This viral Chik-fil-A nugget dupe is one of Costco’s most beloved bargain buys.

Each four-pound bag is filled with boneless, skinless, lightly breaded nuggets. The antibiotic, hormone, and steroid-free chicken is fully cooked and ready to heat and serve.

You can eat these crispy, protein-rich nuggets as-is, serve them with a savory dipping sauce, or add them to your favorite recipe.