Our family decided to simplify Thanksgiving this year by entrusting the entire holiday feast to Costco. Through the warehouse retailer’s online platform, we ordered a fully prepared meal designed to serve eight people — a package that promised convenience without sacrificing quality. The price, which came to $180 after a member discount, covered an impressive array of traditional dishes: a tender turkey breast as the centerpiece, freshly baked rolls, six thoughtfully selected side dishes, and two classic pies for dessert. What made the experience especially appealing was how little work was required on our part. With most items precooked and equipped with clear, step-by-step reheating instructions, the process allowed us to spend far less time in the kitchen and far more time enjoying the company of our loved ones.
The holiday season has always held a special place in my heart, not only because of its emphasis on family gatherings but also because of the abundance of comforting, nostalgic food that accompanies it. In past years, I delighted in preparing an elaborate Thanksgiving dinner from scratch, occasionally drawing inspiration from celebrity chefs such as Ina Garten. However, as life grew busier, my family and I began to appreciate the convenience of ordering preassembled meals from trusted restaurants and chains — Cracker Barrel being one of our past favorites. So, when I noticed that Costco was offering a ship-to-home Thanksgiving dinner in partnership with Fortune Fish & Gourmet, I was intrigued. The idea of a restaurant-quality, heat-and-serve holiday meal arriving at my door felt like an ideal balance between tradition and modern practicality.
Once ordered, the process proved refreshingly simple. I selected a delivery date that aligned with our plans, choosing a few days before my mother-in-law’s visit to ensure everything arrived in time. The meal was carefully packaged in a refrigerated cooler box to maintain freshness and arrived with an email containing precise reheating guidance. Inside the box was an impressive spread: a five-pound turkey breast accompanied by 24 ounces of velvety gravy, two pounds of creamy mashed potatoes, a generous helping of classic green-bean casserole, rich macaroni and cheese, sweet corn, traditional stuffing, a dozen soft dinner rolls, a twenty-ounce container of tangy cranberry sauce, and two delicious pies — one apple, one pumpkin — each weighing about two pounds.
Following the provided instructions, we thawed the turkey ahead of time, roasted it with minimal effort, and were rewarded with exceptionally tender, juicy meat that rivaled many of my homemade preparations. Every remaining dish came precooked, which reduced the actual preparation time to less than half an hour. While the turkey roasted, we allowed the oven to reheat the other components in their ready-made, oven-safe trays. The cranberry sauce simply needed to thaw before serving, and the gravy reheated easily on the stove. Within a short time, our dining room filled with the inviting aromas of roasted turkey, buttery potatoes, and warm bread — all achieved without the marathon cooking session that typically defines Thanksgiving Day.
Among the side dishes, the green-bean casserole emerged as a family favorite. As one of my personal holiday staples, I approached it with some caution, expecting it might pale in comparison to the homemade version I usually prepare. To my surprise, it exceeded expectations: the casserole had a luscious, creamy base, perfectly tender green beans, and subtle notes of savory seasoning and red bell pepper that added a touch of complexity. Similarly, the mashed potatoes were smooth and comforting, while the cranberry sauce offered a pleasant tartness that balanced the richness of the turkey and gravy. Even the cornbread stuffing — though different from my family’s usual white-bread recipe — was moist, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
The included rolls, golden on the outside and feather-light within, added another layer of simple pleasure to the meal. Served warm with a pat of butter, they were just as enjoyable the next day, proof of the quality of the kit’s baked items. Because our group consisted of six people rather than the suggested eight, we found ourselves with ample leftovers. Macaroni and cheese, rolls, and turkey made especially good next-day meals, sustaining us through the weekend while keeping the holiday spirit alive.
No Thanksgiving would be complete without dessert, and Costco’s selection delivered perfectly on that front. The pumpkin pie, silky and warmly spiced, could easily have passed for a homemade creation. The apple pie, with its crumbly topping and tender fruit filling, brought to mind a country bakery. To enhance the experience with minimal effort, I purchased two small additions — whipped cream and vanilla ice cream — both ideal accompaniments for the pies. After dinner, when we took a leisurely walk to make room for dessert, it felt immensely rewarding to return to a table already brimming with sweet treats that required no further preparation.
Perhaps my favorite aspect of this entire experiment was the freedom it provided. Usually, I spend days planning, chopping, cooking, and cleaning in the lead-up to Thanksgiving. This year, however, I redirected that energy into setting a beautiful table and creating a cheerful atmosphere. I brought out my great-grandmother’s china and decorated the table with candles and simple crafts that encouraged laughter and connection. One particularly amusing moment came when our supposedly easy “kids’ craft” turkey decorations had the adults struggling — an unexpected but delightful bonding activity that turned into a memory we will cherish. The extra time, free from culinary stress, allowed me to focus on exactly what Thanksgiving is meant to celebrate: togetherness, gratitude, and joy.
In the end, the $180 Costco dinner provided everything we needed — save for the whipped cream and ice cream I added — and offered an experience that was not only delicious but refreshingly uncomplicated. The quality of each dish mirrored that of home-cooked recipes, and cleanup was remarkably easy thanks to the reusable containers. Given the success of this first attempt, I would not hesitate to order a similar meal from Costco again. In fact, the company has since introduced a newer version of the Thanksgiving feast priced at $270, discounted to $200 for members. I am seriously considering ordering it next season and can only hope that a comparable offering becomes available for Christmas as well. For families seeking a holiday filled with warmth, laughter, and great food — but without the exhaustive kitchen labor — this ready-made solution from Costco strikes the perfect balance between convenience and culinary satisfaction.
This expanded account was originally inspired by the story first published on November 19, 2024, and most recently updated on November 3, 2025, reflecting both the joy and the practicality of embracing a modern, stress-free approach to one of America’s most beloved holidays.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/review-is-costco-thanksgiving-meal-worth-it-family-fortune-gourmet-2024-11
