When thinking about the Costco Beef Pork Meatballs with Pasta & Sauce, you might wonder if they’re worth buying. Unfortunately, I find the dish overall bland and lacking flavor, which takes away from what could have been a satisfying meal. The meatballs, although a decent size, taste more like a generic frozen option than a quality product you’d expect from Costco.
The pasta is cooked well but doesn’t soak up much flavor from the thin and uninspired sauce. Each part of the dish—meatballs, sauce, and pasta—fails to impress, resulting in a meal that doesn’t quite satisfy. While it may be a convenient choice, those looking for a tasty and hearty meal might want to skip this one.
other products and meatball from costco are Chicken Teriyaki & Pineapple Meatballs, Kirkland Signature Mild Italian Sausage , Sous Vide Egg Bites Uncured Bacon And Gouda , Brats Original Bratwurst, Fermented Kimchi Sliced Napa Cabbage, and the Tyson Panko Breaded Chicken Breast Tenderloins
Taste Test
Upon closer inspection of the Costco Beef Pork Meatballs, it’s clear that they are disappointingly dry and bland, with a spongy texture similar to meatloaf. Each bite contains bits of breadcrumbs, leading to a bready mouthfeel that detracts from the overall experience. The seasoning is lacking, so any flavor only appears towards the end of chewing, leaving much to be desired.
The marinara sauce, while saucy and cheesy, is basic and does not enhance the dish, adding to the overall blandness. The oversized pasta doesn’t help either, as its size overwhelms the other components and offers little flavor, failing to soak up the sauce.
In short, this dish is all about appearance with its large meatballs and pasta, but it ultimately disappoints in taste, resulting in a meal that is forgettable.
Nutrition Analysis
When looking at the nutrition facts for Costco Beef Pork Meatballs with Pasta & Sauce, it’s important to note the serving size of 312g, which contains 540 calories. The dish is high in total fat at 26g, with 10g of that being saturated fat.
While it has a decent protein content of 29g, the overall nutritional balance raises some concerns. With 1,050mg of sodium, it may not be suitable for those monitoring their salt intake, and the total carbohydrate count is 47g, with 44g as net carbs.
The 3g of dietary fiber adds some nutritional value, but the total sugars are high at 7g, even though there are no added sugars, which suggests a less-than-ideal carb profile. Despite looking hearty, the lack of detailed nutritional information on the product can be misleading.
Consumers might find that the nutritional values do not match their healthy eating goals, leading to disappointment after trying the dish. This information comes from MyNetDiary.
Ingredients Analysis
The ingredients list for Costco’s Beef Pork Meatballs with Pasta & Sauce shows a mix of familiar and industrial components. The marinara sauce, mainly made from tomatoes, seems standard, but the addition of modified corn starch, preservatives, and xanthan gum indicates a focus on improving texture and shelf life rather than freshness.
The fully cooked pasta is convenient but mainly made from enriched wheat, which may not be appealing for those looking for whole grains. As for the meatballs, the combination of ground beef and pork, whole milk, and seasoned breadcrumbs may sound traditional.
However, relying on fillers like breadcrumbs raises concerns about quality, taking away from the meat experience. The seasoning is minimal, leading to the bland taste noted earlier.
Additionally, it’s important to note that this dish is made in a facility that processes various allergens, which might not be suitable for everyone. Overall, the ingredients suggest a product aimed more at convenience than culinary quality or health, leaving me uncertain about its appeal and nutritional value.
Price Analysis
The dish is priced at $4.49 per pound, and I purchased a 4.22 lb tray for $18.95. Although the product’s popularity suggests initial consumer interest, as it was almost sold out at the store, I do not believe it offers good value for money due to its poor taste and quality.
When comparing Costco’s offering to competitors like Sam’s Club, it appears that other stores may provide better quality products, potentially at a similar price, though exact comparisons in cost were not explored.
Despite its substantial size, the dish is ultimately considered overpriced for what it delivers, and I express disappointment that the high cost does not correlate with the quality or taste of the meal.
How to Cook Costco Beef Pork Meatballs With Pasta & Sauce
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (204°C).
Prepare the Tray
Remove the plastic lid from the Costco take-and-bake tray. Cover the tray with aluminum foil. If you have non-stick foil, use it; otherwise, spray regular foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Use a Cookie Sheet
Place the tray on a cookie sheet for extra stability. If you don’t have a cookie sheet, be cautious when placing the tray in and out of the oven.
Bake the Dish
Put the tray in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatballs—they should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
Adjust Cooking Time
If needed, extend the baking time by 5 minutes if the temperature isn’t high enough.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs have reached the correct temperature, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool slightly, then serve and enjoy your meal.
Convenience
The Costco Beef Pork Meatballs with Pasta & Sauce is a take-and-bake option, meaning it’s pre-prepared and just needs to be heated before serving. This makes it a convenient choice for anyone looking for a quick and easy meal without much cooking. The product comes in a large 4.22 lb tray, which can serve several people, making it great for family dinners or gatherings when time is tight. However, while it is convenient, I believe the ease of preparation doesn’t make up for the overall lack of quality and taste, resulting in a dish that isn’t very appealing in the long run.
Review Score
- Taste : 6/10
- Nutrition: 4/10
- Ingredients:3/10
- convenience: 8/10
- Price: 5/10
Overall
walk by it !
Costco Beef Pork Meatballs with Pasta & Sauce doesn’t quite hit the mark for taste or nutritional quality. While it offers convenience for busy meals, the trade-off in flavor and health is considerable. With high sodium levels and a reliance on fillers, this dish doesn’t align well with healthy eating goals. There are better options out there that provide improved taste and value, so it’s worth thinking twice before buying this product. While it serves as a quick meal solution, the overall experience falls short, leaving shoppers feeling like they missed out on a better dining option.
What are your go-to meal options when you need a quick and convenient dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality?
FAQs
How long does it take to cook the Costco Beef Pork Meatballs with Pasta & Sauce?
The dish typically takes about 50 minutes to bake at 400°F (204°C).
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers after cooking, but it’s best to consume them within a month for optimal quality.
Are there any allergens in this dish?
The product is made in a facility that processes various allergens, so it may not be suitable for those with specific dietary restrictions.
What is the recommended serving size?
The entire tray weighs 4.22 lbs and can serve multiple people; however, the portion size can be adjusted based on your appetite and needs.
Is there a vegetarian option available?
Unfortunately, the Costco Beef Pork Meatballs with Pasta & Sauce contains meat and is not suitable for vegetarians.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that this review is independent and unbiased. The product was purchased by Costcoverdict solely for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed here belong solely to Costcoverdict and do not reflect any affiliation with Costco or its suppliers. Should Costcoverdict ever receive compensation from a product manufacturer or any other third party, full disclosure will be provided, including instances where a product sample was provided for review purposes
