Costco Meatball Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on October 8, 2023 | Last Updated on October 8, 2023

This recipe is a delightful medley of Italian flavors brought together in a hearty pasta dish. It combines penne pasta, spinach, and Costco’s Kirkland Signature Italian Style Beef Meatballs with the creaminess of ricotta cheese and a kick of heat from crushed red pepper. The balsamic vinegar lends a sweet, tangy note that balances the flavors perfectly.

This dish is not only delicious and satisfying but also convenient to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. Enjoy this pasta dish and savor every bite infused with authentic Italian tastes!

What is a Costco meatball? 

Costco meatballs, specifically under the Kirkland Signature brand as Italian Style Beef Meatballs, are a product sold by the wholesale retailer Costco. They are pre-cooked and available in a 6-pound bag, making them a handy option for large meals or meal prep. These meatballs are designed to be easily heated and served, ideal for entrees, appetizers, and sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love this Costco Meatball?

There are several reasons why you might love Costco’s Signature Italian Style Beef Meatballs. Firstly, they’re incredibly convenient – already cooked and just need to be heated before serving. This makes them a great time-saver for busy individuals or families.

Secondly, they’re versatile. These meatballs can be used in a variety of dishes, from traditional spaghetti and meatballs to appetizers and sandwiches. Numerous online resources are offering different ways to cook or serve these meatballs.

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How Does It Taste Like?

The flavor of Costco’s Kirkland Signature Italian Style Beef Meatballs is described as being savory and well-seasoned. The beef used in these meatballs is high-quality, giving them a rich and hearty taste. Additionally, the texture of the meatballs is praised by many customers – they are tender and not too dense. Plus, they are free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, making them a healthier option.

Ingredients 

Penne Pasta: Penne pasta is the backbone of this recipe. It provides a satisfying, chewy texture and a substantial base for the other ingredients. The tube shape of penne also allows it to hold onto the sauce well, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor.

Spinach: Spinach adds a wonderful frCostco meatballs, specifically under the Kirkland Signature brand as Italian Style Beef Meatballs, are a product sold by the wholesale retailer Costco. They are pre-cooked and available in a 6-pound bag, making them a handy option for large meals or meal prep. These meatballs are designed to be easily heated and served, ideal for entrees, appetizers, and sandwiches. freshness to the dish. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making the meal healthier. When blanched and drained, spinach becomes tender and its slight bitterness complements the other flavors in the recipe.

Balsamic Vinegar: This brings a sweet and tangy element to the dish. It enhances the flavor of the spinach and contrasts nicely with the rich, creamy ricotta. It also helps to cut through the richness of the meatballs.

Crushed Red Pepper: Crushed red pepper adds a kick of heat to the dish. It wakes up the palate and balances out the creamy and savory elements. This ingredient can be adjusted according to personal preference for spice.

Salt, Pepper, and Parmesan: These are essential seasonings in Italian cooking. Salt enhances all the other flavors, pepper adds a bit of heat and complexity, and Parmesan cheese provides a salty, umami flavor that ties everything together.

Meatballs: Meatballs add a hearty, protein-rich component to the dish. They are typically made from ground meat mixed with herbs and spices, providing a burst of flavor with every bite. They complement the pasta and spinach perfectly, making the dish more filling and satisfying.

Canned Ca: Without the full name, it’s hard to say exactly what this ingredient contributes to the recipe. However, many canned products like tomatoes or beans can add depth of flavor, texture, and nutrients.

Ricotta: Ricotta is a creamy, mild cheese that adds richness and creaminess to the dish. It pairs well with the robust flavors of the meatballs and the freshness of the spinach. It’s also traditional in many Italian pasta dishes.

Canned M: As with ‘canned Ca’, it’s difficult to provide specifics without knowing the full ingredient. However, canned ingredients can be key to adding flavor and substance to a dish.

Step by Step Directions 

Step 1: Prepare the Penne Pasta

Begin your culinary journey by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for that perfect al dente texture, and once achieved, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to take on the flavors of your dish.

Step 2: Blanch the Spinach

While the pasta is busy cooking, shift your attention to the spinach. In a separate culinary act, blanch the spinach in boiling water for a quick 1-2 minutes. Once tender, ensure you drain it thoroughly and give it a gentle squeeze to remove any excess liquid.

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs

In another culinary arena, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Here, the star of the show is the meatballs. Place them in the pan and let them sizzle for a delightful 8-10 minutes. Remember to turn these flavor-packed orbs occasionally to achieve an enticing browned exterior on all sides.

Step 4: Infuse with Balsamic Vinegar and Spice

With the meatballs cooked to perfection, transfer them to a haven on the side. Now, in the same pan that witnessed the meatball magic, introduce balsamic vinegar and crushed red pepper. Let them dance together for a brief 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Welcome the Spinach and Canned Ingredient

The spinach, blanched and ready, is the next guest to join the pan party. Allow it to mingle with the balsamic and red pepper for an additional 1-2 minutes. Following this, introduce your canned ingredient, be it tomatoes or beans. Stir until everything is heated through, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Step 6: Reunite with the Meatballs

Once the stage is set with all the components, reunite the meatballs with the ensemble. Stir them into the mix, ensuring that each meatball is coated with the flavors you’ve been orchestrating.

Step 7: Join Forces with Penne Pasta

Now, the grand finale! Introduce the cooked penne pasta to the pan, tossing everything together in a culinary crescendo. Let the pasta, meatballs, spinach, and flavored sauce become one harmonious masterpiece. Season with salt and pepper if your taste buds desire.

Step 8: Serve with Finesse

As the curtains rise on your culinary performance, serve this delightful creation either in a grand communal bowl or on individual plates. Top each serving with a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan.

Tips

• For a vegetarian option, omit the meatballs and add in more canned ingredients like beans or chickpeas.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta and double-check that all canned ingredients do not contain any gluten.
• For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
• Experiment with different types of meatballs, such as turkey or chicken, for a lighter option.

Nutrition Information 

How to store Costco meatballs?

The best way to store any leftover Costco meatball dish is to transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge. To reheat, simply microwave for a few minutes or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

If you have a larger batch of the dish that you won’t be able to finish within 4 days, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Portion out the cooked pasta mixture into individual airtight containers and freeze. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and then heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Freezing may alter the texture of some ingredients, especially the spinach, so keep that in mind when reheating. But overall, this Costco meatball dish is a great make-ahead meal option for busy weeknights or for stocking up your freezer with easy and delicious meals.

What other substitute can I use for Costco meatballs? 

There are many potential substitutes for the specific ingredients used in this Costco meatball dish. Here are a few ideas:

• Instead of penne pasta, you can try other types of pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or even gnocchi.
• For spinach, you can use other green leafy vegetables such as kale, chard, or arugula.
• You can also swap it out for other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
• If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. They will provide a similar tangy flavor to the dish.
• Crushed red pepper can be substituted with dried chili flakes or hot sauce, depending on your heat preference.
• Instead of canned tomatoes or beans, you can use fresh versions of these ingredients. Simply cook them in the pan with some olive oil and seasonings until they are soft and heated through.
• For the meatballs, you can try using different types of ground meat such as beef, pork, or lamb. You can also add other herbs and spices to customize the flavor, such as garlic, oregano, or fennel seeds.
• If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with any other creamy cheese like mascarpone or goat cheese. Alternatively, you can also use a dollop of sour cream for a tangy twist.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, Costco meatball pasta is an easy and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying meal that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is great for weeknight dinners or when you need a quick and tasty meal. Give it a try and see why Costco meatball pasta has become a beloved dish among many!

So why not try making it at home and experience the deliciousness for yourself? Keep experimenting with different ingredients and variations to make it your own.

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