Costco’s Kirkland Signature Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes is a convenient comfort meal, perfect for busy nights. However, getting it perfectly cooked and delicious can be a bit tricky, so here’s a detailed guide to help you make the most of this ready-to-eat meal.
Overview of the Costco Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes Meal
The meal is a two-in-one delight with a juicy meatloaf made from a blend of ground beef, onions, and spices, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. The package is found in the refrigerated section, fully cooked but not heated, so you’ll need to warm it up before enjoying.
The Best Way to Reheat: The Oven Method
While there are a couple of ways to heat the meatloaf, the oven is your best bet for even heating and a satisfying texture.
Step-by-Step Oven Heating Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 375°F. If you want a slower, more gradual heat, set it to 350°F instead.
- Prep the Meal: Remove the plastic lid (it’s not oven-safe) and cover the meal with aluminum foil. This helps keep the meatloaf moist while heating.
- Place in Oven: Put the covered meal on the center rack.
- Cook Time: Bake for approximately 60-70 minutes. Make sure to check that the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 165°F.
- Crispy Finish (Optional): For a slightly crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 2-3 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier.
Fast and Easy: The Microwave Method
If you’re in a rush, the microwave is a good alternative. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Microwave Heating Instructions
- Transfer to Microwave-Safe Dishes: The original container isn’t microwave-safe, so move the meatloaf and potatoes to separate microwave-safe plates or bowls.
- Heat the Meatloaf: Microwave on high for 10 minutes, then switch to 50% power and continue heating for another 10-15 minutes, checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Heat the Mashed Potatoes: These usually heat up faster than the meatloaf. Microwave the potatoes on high for about 3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Tips for Enhancing Your Costco Meatloaf Meal
To elevate the flavors and make your meal more interesting, try these tips:
- Add a Sauce: Drizzle a bit of barbecue sauce or spicy ketchup on the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This not only adds flavor but also creates a tangy glaze.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan into the mashed potatoes during the last 5 minutes of heating.
- Side Dishes: Pair the meatloaf with a green vegetable like steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad to balance out the meal.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or dill) on top of the meatloaf before serving for a burst of flavor and a nice presentation.
- Cooking from Frozen: If you accidentally froze the meal, don’t worry. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the total cooking time in the oven, starting at a lower temperature of 325°F and increasing to 375°F halfway through.
Costco Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 tray Costco Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
- 1 lb Frozen Mixed Vegetables
- 1 loaf Garlic Bread
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Remove plastic cover from the Costco meal and replace with aluminum foil.
- Place the tray of meatloaf and mashed potatoes on a baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatloaf for 60 minutes until an internal temperature of 160F is reached.
- Prepare the frozen vegetables and garlic bread according to package instructions.
- Let the meatloaf cool for 5 minutes and serve with the veggies and garlic bread.
Calories in the Meal
One serving of the meal has the following nutritional information:
- Calories = 350
- Fat = 19g
- Cholesterol = 123mg
- Sodium = 845 mg
- Carbohydrates = 22g
- Protein = 22g
Price of the Meatloaf and Mashed Potato Meal at Costco
The meal costs $3.99 per pound and comes with about four pounds of food for a total cost of $15-$17. You will be able to easily feed four people with this meal which brings the per serving cost to about $4 per serving.
You could probably make this meal yourself for a little bit cheaper but when you consider how easy and tasty the meal is I can’t imagine why you would bother!
Final Thoughts
Costco’s meatloaf meal is a lifesaver for busy nights, but a little extra effort can turn it into a satisfying dinner that doesn’t taste like a store-bought meal. By following these tips, you can serve up a meal that’s crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, and bursting with flavor.