Today, I’m going to share with you the secrets of cooking delicious Costco Italian Meatballs in various ways. These quick and easy frozen meatballs are perfect for a homemade dinner that’s ready in minutes. Whether you prefer baking, stove cooking, using a microwave, or even a pressure cooker, you’ll find a method that suits your needs. Let’s dive in!
Why This Recipe Works:
- EASY!!: These meatballs are incredibly simple to prepare.
- Versatile: You can use them in a variety of dishes.
- FAST!!: They can be heated up quickly, making them a convenient option.
- Flavorful: These meatballs are packed with delicious flavors that can enhance any dish.
Do I Have to Defrost Costco Meatballs Before I Cook With Them?
No, it’s not necessary! If you’re heating your Costco Italian Meatballs in a sauce, you can simply heat the sauce through and let it bubble until well-heated. The meatballs will be cooked perfectly without the need for defrosting. However, if you’re in a hurry and need a quick sauce, it’s best to defrost them first.
How to Cook Frozen Costco Italian Meatballs with Sauce?
If you prefer a saucy dish, here’s what you need to do:
- Get your sauce (BBQ, tomato, or spaghetti sauce) ready first.
- Put the sauce in the container you will use to cook it.
- Add the desired number of meatballs to the sauce.
- Heat for at least 20 minutes.
- If you’re using a crockpot, heat it slowly for 4-6 hours on low.
How to Cook Frozen Costco Italian Meatballs on the Stove?
If you want to cook your meatballs on the stove, follow these steps:
- To the pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil.
- Put the desired number of meatballs in the pan, leaving enough space between them to ensure even cooking.
- Heat them over medium-low heat, flipping them often, until heated through (about 10-15 minutes).
How to Cook Costco Italian Meatballs in a Microwave?
If you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to cook your meatballs, try using a microwave:
- Place the desired number of meatballs in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add 1 tablespoon of water and cover with plastic wrap.
- Heat for 1 minute on high.
- Check if the meatballs are heated all the way through.
- If not, repeat for 30 seconds and then at 30-second intervals until they are heated.
How to Cook Frozen Costco Italian Meatballs in a Pressure Cooker or an Instant Pot?
While it’s not necessary to cook already cooked frozen meatballs in a pressure cooker or instant pot, if you want to try it, here’s how:
- To make meatballs alone: Place the meatballs into an instant pot or pressure cooker and add 1/4 cup of water. Bring to pressure and cook for 5 minutes. Let it naturally release.
- Using a sauce: Place the meatballs and sauce in the instant pot or pressure cooker. Bring to pressure and cook for 8 minutes. Allow it to naturally release pressure.
How to Cook Frozen Meatballs In A Crockpot or Slow Cooker?
When you want a hands-off approach to cooking your meatballs, consider using a crockpot or slow cooker:
- When you don’t want to use a sauce: Put as many Costco Italian Meatballs as you want in the crockpot. Pour in 1/2 cup of water or chicken stock. Heat on low for 4-6 hours.
- If you are using a sauce: Pour your preferred sauce into the crockpot, then add the frozen meatballs. Turn the Crockpot on low and let it cook for 4-6 hours.
How to Cook Frozen Costco Italian Meatballs In The Oven?
If you prefer a crispy and well-baked texture, follow these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Place the desired number of frozen meatballs on a baking sheet, ensuring there is plenty of space between them in a single layer.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and use as desired.
How to Cook Frozen Costco Italian Meatballs In The Air Fryer?
For those who love the taste of air-fried food, here’s how you can prepare your meatballs:
- In an air fryer basket, arrange the frozen meatballs in an even layer. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Lightly spray the meatballs with oil spray.
- Air fry at 380°F/195°C for 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of the meatball.
- Gently shake and turn the meatballs halfway through cooking.
- Before serving, warm your favorite sauce (BBQ, tomato, etc.) and drizzle it over the meatballs.
What Can I Serve With Costco Italian Meatballs?
To complete your meal, here are some delicious side dishes that pair well with Costco Italian Meatballs:
- Costco Italian Meatballs are best served with this EASY homemade Tomato Sauce.
- You can also use any jarred sauce that you prefer.
- Stroganoff is excellent when made with meatballs instead of beef.
- Serve with Garlic Bread, Grilled Portobello Mushroom, and Mexican Street Corn Salad, and you’re good to go!
For more options on what to serve with your Costco Italian Meatballs, I recommend checking What to Serve with Meatballs: 22 Best Side Dishes.
Recipe Tips
To make the most out of your Costco Italian Meatballs, keep these tips in mind:
- It’s really just a matter of warming up frozen meatballs since they’re already fully cooked when frozen.
- You can mix frozen meatballs with a wide variety of sauces. Try BBQ, mushroom gravy, spaghetti sauce, and marinara for different flavor profiles.
- Serve frozen meatballs over any type of starchy dish, such as pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes!
- Meatballs can be used in many ways: pasta and meatballs, meatball hoagies, meatball sliders, meatball noodle soup, and more. Let your imagination run wild!
- For better flavor, bake the meatballs on aluminum foil first to increase the char on the edges.
Conclusion
Now you know the secrets of cooking delicious Costco Italian Meatballs in various ways. Whether you choose the oven, stovetop, microwave, pressure cooker, slow cooker, or air fryer, you can enjoy a flavorful and convenient meal in no time. Experiment with different sauces and side dishes to make your meal even more enjoyable. So go ahead, grab some Costco Italian Meatballs, and get cooking!
Source: Nutrition Facts Source: Source