Yes, the Costco Kirkland Signature Meatloaf is a fantastic and convenient meal that’s absolutely worth buying for its delicious, homemade taste. It’s a classic, hearty dinner that can feed a whole family without any of the prep work. But does the taste live up to the convenience? I bought one to find out.
What’s in the Box? First Impressions
You can find this giant meal in the prepared foods section of the Costco deli, usually near the rotisserie chickens and other ready-to-heat dinners, like the popular Costco Shepherd’s Pie. It comes in a large, oven-safe black tray with a clear plastic lid.
Inside the package, you get everything you need for a complete main course:
- A large, seasoned meatloaf that forms the base of the meal.
- A generous topping of creamy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes piped decoratively over the meatloaf.
- A sweet and tangy glaze covering the entire dish.
The whole thing weighs a hefty four pounds, making it an impressive sight.
How Much Does the Costco Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes Cost?
The Kirkland Signature Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes costs $17.96 at Costco.
The item number is 30783. At a net weight of exactly 4.00 lbs, the price breaks down to just $4.49 per pound, which is an excellent value for a ready-to-cook meal of this size. Considering this can easily serve 6-8 people, the per-serving cost is very low.
How Do You Cook the Costco Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes?
The best way to cook the Costco meatloaf is in a conventional oven for about 40-50 minutes. The package instructions are clear and easy to follow for a perfectly heated meal. Do not microwave this product.
Here are the official cooking instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the clear plastic lid from the tray. Do not put the lid in the oven.
- Cover the tray loosely with aluminum foil.
- Place the tray on a baking sheet and put it on the center rack of your preheated oven.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro-Tip: For the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, I recommend removing the foil to let the mashed potatoes get slightly browned and the glaze to caramelize a bit more.
Is Costco Prepared Meatloaf Good? A Detailed Taste Test
Overall, the Costco meatloaf tastes impressively homemade, with a tender, moist texture that avoids being overly dense or greasy. The ground beef is seasoned with classic savory notes of onion and garlic, providing a rich, comforting flavor that isn’t too salty.
The mashed potatoes are a real highlight. They are creamy, buttery, and have a genuine potato flavor, just as you’d expect from Yukon Golds. They are the perfect pairing for the rich meatloaf.
The glaze is sweet and tangy, reminiscent of a classic ketchup-based topping but with a bit more depth. It pulls the whole dish together. When cooked, it thickens up and creates a delicious crust. It’s a classic comfort food meal executed very well.
Is the Costco Meatloaf Healthy? Calories and Nutrition Facts
No, the Costco meatloaf is not considered a health food, but rather a hearty comfort meal best enjoyed in moderation. This is because the packaging I photographed did not include the nutritional information label.
However, based on the ingredients list—which includes ground beef, potatoes, butter, cream, and a glaze made with high-fructose corn syrup—it’s safe to say this is a rich, calorie-dense comfort food, not a health food. While it provides a good amount of protein, it’s also likely high in calories, fat, and sodium. It’s a fantastic, hearty meal to enjoy in moderation.
The Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Kirkland Signature Meatloaf?
Yes, the Costco Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes is absolutely worth buying. It’s the perfect solution for anyone seeking a delicious, time-saving, and high-value dinner that can easily feed a whole family.
It’s an ideal solution for a busy weeknight when you want a hearty, satisfying dinner for the family without spending hours in the kitchen.
| Rating | Score (out of 10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | 9/10 | Delicious, savory, and tastes homemade. A true comfort food classic. |
| Value | 10/10 | At $4.49/lb, the value for a meal that can feed 6-8 people is unbeatable. |
| Convenience | 9/10 | Just heat and eat. It doesn’t get much easier for a meal this substantial. |
| Overall | 9.3/10 | A fantastic, high-quality prepared meal that I highly recommend. |
Buy it if…
- You need an easy dinner for a large family or gathering.
- You love classic, American comfort food.
- You are looking for a high-value meal that saves you time.
Pass on it if…
- You are on a strict, low-calorie or low-sodium diet.
- You don’t enjoy traditional meatloaf flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Costco’s Meatloaf
Is the meatloaf from Costco already cooked?
No, the meatloaf from Costco is not fully cooked. The safe handling instructions on the label state that you must “cook thoroughly” to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
How many servings are in Costco meatloaf and mashed potatoes?
The package doesn’t specify a serving amount, but given its four-pound weight, you can realistically expect to get 6 to 8 generous servings from one tray, making it perfect for a family dinner.
Can you cook the Costco meatloaf from frozen?
The instructions do not provide directions for cooking from frozen. For the best and safest results, it is highly recommended that you thaw the meal completely in the refrigerator before following the standard oven cooking instructions.