As far as I’m concerned, Costco’s frozen Italian meatballs are an absolute kitchen staple. Keeping a bag in the freezer means I always have the foundation for an easy, delicious meal ready to go. But as much as I love a good ol’ meatball sub, things can get a little boring slapping those pre-rolled beauties into the same old dishes.
So I’ve made it my culinary mission to morph these frozen meatballs into exciting new creations that take my meals from mundane to extraordinary. From meatball tacos to pot stickers, the possibilities are endless once you start thinking outside the (takeout) box. Here are some of my favorite ways to transform Costco’s frozen meatballs into sensational centerpieces perfect for any meal.
Let’s start with a family favorite: meatball tacos. One night when I was craving Mexican but lacked ground beef for the usual fillings, I had a lightbulb moment – frozen meatballs to the rescue! Popping those pre-made orbs in the skillet, then seasoning them up with cumin, chili powder and cayenne, I’d crafted a flavortown-worthy filling. Piled high on soft corn tortillas and topped with salsa, guac and shredded cheese, these meatball tacos are now in heavy dinner rotation.
For an easy grab-and-go lunch, I’ll stuff pita pockets with meatballs, spinach, roasted red peppers and herbed goat cheese. Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze elevates these handheld sandwiches into gourmet territory. I love to make them ahead for the week, pairing them with veggie sticks and hummus.
When I’m craving comfort food with a creative twist, meatball-stuffed pizza hits the spot. I brown the meatballs, then scatter them across a pre-baked pizza crust. Next comes shredded mozzarella, slivers of fresh tomato, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Pop it in the oven until the cheese melts into deliciousness. Serve it up with a crisp green salad for the perfect meal that still feels indulgent.
If we’re grilling, shrimp and meatball skewers are always a crowd pleaser. I slide meatballs and shrimp onto metal skewers then coat them with a Thai peanut marinade. Grilled to perfection, these skewers satisfy with a balance of savory, salty and slightly charred flavors. They look so festive lined up on a platter too!
For an inspired fusion dish, I’ll add halved meatballs to stir fries and fried rice. The meatballs lend hearty texture and flavor to the veggies and sauce. Bowls of sticky rice topped with this quick one-skillet meal make regular appearances on our dinner table.
And let’s not forget breakfast! I’ve started hiding meatballs in morning dishes like breakfast burritos, hashes, and strata. Chopped up and cooked with veggies, cheese and eggs, they provide a welcome dose of protein to start the day off right.
The options for taking the Costco frozen meatballs to tantalizing new heights are practically endless, limited only by imagination. So next time you crack open that bag, I hope these ideas inspire you to think beyond the basic meatball sub. With a dash of creativity and a dollop of sauce, the most marvelous meals are waiting to be cooked up!
