14 Costco Foods That Taste Like They're Homemade

You've got better things to do with your time than waste the day standing over a hot stove. If your family craves home-cooked meals, don't stress. We've got you covered with an easy alternative.

Instead of starting from scratch, try this shortcut: Save money at Costco on budget-friendly heat-and-eat options. From cozy comfort foods like shepherd's pie and meaty lasagna to sinfully sweet treats, here are our 14 favorite finds. And yes, everyone will think they're homemade.

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

Price: $4.79 per pound

Nothing screams homemade more than meatloaf and mashed potatoes. The classic combo is a rich, savory, and filling find that almost everyone adores.

If you're wondering how close this precooked Costco meal gets to the real deal, take it from redditor Pao2819, "100% the mashed potatoes are better than your grandmom's."

Price: $4.99 per pound

No time to slice peppers and make a meaty mixture? No problem. Nab this six-pack from Costco's prepared deli section. Simply pop the meal into the oven and bake for about one hour at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Price: $4.29 per pound

Feed a family of four or more with this massive Shepherd's pie. Magnificently mouthwatering mashed potatoes, a rich, meaty filling, and the perfect flaky pastry crust give this meal a homemade taste Costco shoppers absolutely adore.

Reddit user Jamievs26 gushed, "We love the Shepherd's pie…The Costco one is better than my mom's." And don't worry about wasting leftovers. Simply freeze what you can't eat.

Price: $5.99

Spice up your next family meal and serve this zesty enchilada bake. Made with Costco's iconic rotisserie chicken, the Mexican-inspired entrée has a flavor you'll savor.

Pair this pick with Kirkland Signature's salsa or the store-brand's organic chunky guacamole.

Price: $3.99 per pound

A decadently dreamy, creamy alfredo sauce makes this prepared chicken meal one of the most indulgent "homemade" meals from Costco's deli section. While it tastes like something that took hours to make, the rich recipe is pre-prepped and oven-ready.

Bake the cheesy blend at 400 degrees (Fahrenheit) for about 60 minutes and serve this pick over pasta.

Price: $3.99 per pound

Whip up a soothing bowl of chicken noodle soup in minutes. Tender veggies, chunky noodles, and the warehouse club's beloved rotisserie chicken blend together to create a from-scratch flavor that you won't get from a can.

Even though some shoppers think this pick is pricey, redditor europeanperson notes, "It's kind of expensive, but it has way more chicken than canned soup. Like anything, you're paying for convenience."

Price: $4.29 per pound

Costco's ready-made chili is a crowd-pleaser that tastes like it came straight from your crock pot. Enjoy the meat-and-bean blend as-is, or use it to dress up hot dogs, nachos, and hamburgers.

Price: $14.99

Not every heat-and-serve product comes from Costco's kitchen. The warehouse club also carries brand-name boxed meals that are on par with restaurant fare. So if you're in the mood for something with an Asian flavor, this chicken Pad Thai is the perfect pick.

You won't have to sacrifice quality for cost or convenience. With 20 grams of protein per serving, the gluten-free meal is a healthier (and heartier) alternative to fast food.

Price: $9.99

Satisfy your sweet tooth without worrying about burning the batter. Costco's fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies have that straight-from-the-oven flavor you crave. But instead of overspending on ingredients, you can nab this 24-pack (that's two-plus pounds) for under $10.

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Price: $4.99

The warehouse club's seasoned rotisserie chicken is a fan favorite at a price that's hard to ignore. For $4.99, you'll get a hot, flavorful meal that's ready to go.

Warning: This bird may not make it home. We won't blame you if you start snacking the second you get into your car.

Price: $17.99

Planning a party? No one will guess that this Italian sausage and beef lasagna came from Costco's freezer section. Get two packs (six pounds total) for under $18 right now.

Costco shopper "Nana" gave this meal deal five stars, writing, "In my personal opinion, this was the best tasting lasagna I have ever bought."

Price: $3.99 per pound

Pass on basic boxed mac and cheese and snag this premade meal. You don't have to boil pasta or grate Parmesan just to prove your cooking skills.

Make your friends and family think you spent the day in the kitchen whipping up this creamy casserole. But instead of mixing and measuring, heat the Kirkland Signature bake for 40 to 60 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and serve.

Price: $8.59

A sumptuous blend of button, shiitake, and portobello mushrooms gives this risotto a deep, earthy, umami flavor.

Risotto is notoriously tricky to make. But you won't need Top Chef-worthy skills with this prepared product in your fridge. Microwave each tray for about two minutes or heat the creamy rice blend on the stove.

Price: $6.99 per pound

Slow-cooked USDA Choice beef, potatoes, pearl onions, and carrots simmered in a rich, savory gravy? It sounds like something that took all day to make. But this Irish stew is an easy alternative you can microwave in under 10 minutes.

Relax, take some time for yourself, and leave the hard work to Costco. Whether you're cooking a holiday meal or just need something for dinner tonight, these Costco buys make it easy to save money on groceries. So skip the prep steps and snag these prepared picks from the warehouse club.

If you're looking for more ways to cut costs, check your local club for in-store specials. You could score extra discounts or additional deals on eligible prepared meals.