Kirkland Meatballs Recipe: Easy Homemade Copycat

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Who doesn’t love a quick and delicious meal? When I’m in a rush, Kirkland meatballs from Costco are a lifesaver.

They’re perfect for any busy day. From air frying to slow cooking, the options are endless and delicious!

You can cook Costco Kirkland meatballs straight from the freezer. Whether baking them in the oven or tossing them in the microwave, they always turn out flavorful. These meatballs make for an easy addition to pasta, subs, or even as a solo snack.

I’ve tried various recipes using these meatballs, and they never disappoint. One of my favorites is a classic meatball sub with marinara sauce and melted cheese. For something a bit different, I love slow-cooked BBQ meatballs paired with some coleslaw.

Let’s see how to make the most out of these tasty meatballs!

Key Takeaways

  • Kirkland meatballs are easy to cook from frozen.
  • They can be used in many recipes.
  • These meatballs offer a great value for quick and nutritious meals.

Ingredients and Costs

When making a meal with Kirkland Signature frozen meatballs, it’s important to know what ingredients to use and how much they’ll cost.

First, let’s talk about the basics. A six-pound bag of Kirkland meatballs typically costs around $19.99 in-store. This makes it a budget-friendly option for large families or meal prep.

Per serving, the meatballs contain protein, fat, carbohydrates, and a bit of sugar. It’s a balanced mix that can fit into many types of meals.

Here’s a list of additional ingredients I often use:

  • Marinara sauce: $3.00 per jar
  • Mozzarella cheese: $4.50 for an 8 oz block
  • Rice: $1.00 per pound
  • Onion: $0.50 each
  • Spices: salt, pepper, garlic powder – $1.00 combined
  • Milk: $1.50 per quart

These prices can vary based on location and store.

I usually keep the frozen meatballs in the freezer until I need them. It’s convenient for quick meals.

Making meatball subs? Just add marinara sauce and mozzarella on sub rolls.

For meatball lettuce wraps, grab some fresh lettuce, shredded carrots, and cucumber slices.

Enjoy your tasty and affordable Kirkland meatballs!

Preparation and Cooking

Meatballs sizzle in a skillet, surrounded by a variety of fresh herbs and spices. A pot of simmering marinara sauce bubbles on the stove, ready to be poured over the golden brown meatballs

Kirkland meatballs are easy to cook. Whether you bake them in the oven, use a microwave, or toss them into an air fryer, I’ve got you covered.

Thawing and Prep Work

When I use Kirkland meatballs, they’re usually frozen. I don’t always defrost them ahead of time.

For most recipes, you can cook them straight from frozen. If needed, defrost meatballs in the fridge overnight.

I like to prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If using the slow cooker, simply place the frozen meatballs in with your sauce of choice, and let it cook on low for 6–8 hours. Just make sure to stir occasionally.

Cooking Techniques

Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the meatballs on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 14–16 minutes.

Microwave: Place around 20–25 meatballs on a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on medium power for about 4 minutes. Let them stand for 2 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Slow Cooker: Combine meatballs and your favorite sauce. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or until tender.

Steamer: Place meatballs in a double boiler. Steam until thoroughly warmed.

Safety and Internal Temperature

Safety is key when cooking meatballs. Ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F. I use a meat thermometer to check this.

Cooking times may vary, so always check a few meatballs before serving. This ensures they’re evenly cooked, especially when cooking from frozen.

Keeping an eye on the internal temperature guarantees they’re safe to eat and deliciously warm.

Kirkland Meatballs Copycat
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Kirkland Meatballs Copycat

Recipe by thisrecipelifeCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

Juicy, delicious, and super simple to make. Your family will love these meatballs for dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 lb ground pork

  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 2 large eggs

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Olive oil for frying

Directions

  • Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
  • Add the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add them to the meat mixture.
  • Add the minced garlic, milk, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
  • Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined. It’s best to use your hands for even mixing.
  • Form the Meatballs:
  • Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  • Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Cook the Meatballs:
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
  • Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
  • Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  • Serve:
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite marinara sauce over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

I often get asked about Kirkland meatballs and how to prepare them. Here are some of the most common questions and my thoughts.

What are the cooking instructions for Kirkland frozen meatballs?

To cook Kirkland frozen meatballs, set your oven to 375°F. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

How can I prepare Kirkland meatballs in a crockpot?

In a crockpot, add frozen meatballs. Pour your favorite sauce over them until they’re well-coated. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Learn more at Dine Dream Discover.

Can I cook Kirkland meatballs in an air fryer, and if so, how?

Yes, you can cook Kirkland meatballs in an air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 5 minutes. Check out the details at Eat Like No One Else.

What’s a good recipe for enhancing the flavor of store bought frozen meatballs?

Mix together tomato paste, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and water. Pour this mix over the meatballs in a crockpot for a rich, flavorful dish. More info at Dine Dream Discover.

Are Kirkland Italian meatballs well-reviewed by customers?

Yes, many customers give positive reviews. They praise the meatballs for their taste and texture, often mentioning how convenient they are for quick meals. For specific reviews, you can visit Costco Contessa.

What kind of sauces pair well with Costco’s frozen meatballs for a tasty teriyaki dish?

For a delicious teriyaki dish, pair the meatballs with teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and a bit of honey. You can garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor.