16 Low-Priced Costco Staples for Easy Weeknight Dinners

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Make weeknight dinners a breeze with these essential Costco items you can't live without.
Updated Sept. 27, 2023
woman holding frying pan

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Gathering all the ingredients you need for meal planning can be a chore in and of itself.

That’s why many Costco members buy items in bulk at the superstore to save money on groceries and time in the kitchen.

There are so many easy dinner staples to find, along with all the sides and fixings you could want. It’s a great way to enjoy delicious meals that are ready-made or easy to prepare.

Editor's note: Prices are subject to change and may also vary by location.

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Annie’s Organic Mac and Cheese Variety Pack

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz Annies organic mac and cheese

Price: $17.59

There’s so much you can do with mac and cheese (especially when you're keeping more money in your bank account)!

This variety pack has three different flavors to mix and match your meals. Add your favorite proteins, toppings, and more for a quick dinner that the whole family can appreciate.

Rastelli’s Chuck and Short Rib Angus Beef Burgers

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz short rib angus beef burgers

Price: $11.99

Get a craft burger taste at an affordable price.

This six-pack of burgers is perfect for a summer burger night. Grab your favorite fries, veggies, and condiments at Costco to complete the meal.

Kirkland Signature Five Cheese Tortellini

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz kirkland signature five cheese tortellini

Price: $10.99

Pasta night just got a whole lot easier.

With this five-cheese tortelloni, you can add meat sauce or make soup from this versatile pasta. Just grab some garlic bread or rolls, and you’ve got a handy meal.

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Ritika’s Organic Cilantro and Lime Rice

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz ritikas organic cilantro and lime rice

Price: $9.99

Make a flavorful burrito bowl with this staple ingredient.

This cilantro and lime rice is versatile enough for any quick and delicious recipe. Try it with fajitas, shrimp tacos, or other Costco ready-made items for an easy weeknight meal.

Kirkland Signature Basil Pesto

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz kirkland signature basil pesto

Price: $9.89

Here’s a fun ingredient that works with a variety of easy dinners.

Pair this with your pasta or homemade pizza for an authentic Italian taste. And adding a scoop to your soup will inject a rich flavor.

Wawona Frozen Foods Festival Blend

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz wawona frozen foods festival blend

Price: $10.99

This fruit blend can be used for more than smoothies and drinks.

Try it in a sweet and spicy salsa or as a fresh topping for waffles and pancakes. You can also grill these along with your summer meats for an explosion of flavor.

Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz kirkland signature smoked pulled pork

Price: $13.99

Have an easy barbecue night without ever firing up the grill.

This ready-made pulled pork makes it simple to have delicious sandwiches, BBQ nachos, and more. Snag some grilling staples, like baked beans, during your shop to round out the meal.

Soules Kitchen Flame Grilled Chicken Strips

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz soules kitchen chicken strips

Price: $9.99

Just add these chicken strips to any easy meal.

With their flame-grilled taste, this chicken elevates any weeknight dinner. Try it in a hearty mac and cheese or make healthy chicken wraps.

Rotisserie Chicken

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz rotisserie chicken

Price: $4.99

Costco’s rotisserie chicken is one popular ready-to-go meal.

This affordable dinner option just requires your favorite sides and is ready to eat. You can even make a pulled chicken recipe for sandwiches, wraps, and more.

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Pillsbury Grands Southern Homestyle Biscuits

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz southern homestyle biscuits

Price: $7.89

These homestyle biscuits make a perfect dinner side or topping.

Make a chicken pot pie with this as the “crust” for a homestyle taste. Or you can make chicken biscuits with honey for an easy dinner that packs the flavor.

Kirkland Signature Stir-Fry Vegetable Blend

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz stir fry vegetable blend

Price: $9.79

Making a convenient stir fry with this blend might be your new go-to recipe.

Just add your favorite proteins from Costco’s refrigerated or frozen section. And spice it up with your favorite seasonings or sauces for an international night that is affordable and accessible.

Purely Frozen Organic Riced Cauliflower

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz organic riced cauliflower

Price: $7.99

Looking for a healthier ingredient to add to your dinners?

Use this riced cauliflower for stuffed peppers, soups, and more. And at this low price, it’s a handy staple to have in your freezer for any meal.

Biffi Tomato and Mascarpone Pasta Sauce

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz tomato and mascarpone pasta sauce

Price: $9.99

This pasta sauce may soon become a must-have on your shopping list.

Get classic Italian flavor at Costco’s bargain prices. You can try this with the tortelloni mentioned above for a cheesy dish.

Garden Fresh Gourmet Jack’s Cantina Salsa

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz gourmet jacks cantina salsa

Price: $6.99

This tasty salsa isn’t just for dipping chips.

You can create your own taco or burrito bar for a fun family dinner. Or mix this with ranch dressing for a creamy salad dressing that boosts any meal.

Don Pancho Cilantro Lime Crema Sauce

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz cilantro lime cream sauce

Price: $7.99

If you like Costco’s tacos, then you’ve got to buy this sauce.

Inject a nice kick into your Tex-Mex dishes with this cilantro lime crema. It’s a cost-effective product that quickly elevates your dinners.

Pro tip: When shopping at Costco, remember that they only accept certain types of credit cards. You can use the right one that also offers you rewards like cash back to maximize how far your money can go.

Bottom line

LStockStudio/Adobe friends enjoying holiday

Costco has a wide range of value-sized products at cost-effective prices that will help you cut grocery costs.

Buying your dinners here can mean saving money and time so that you can spend your summer on other fun activities and vacations.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases

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Author Details

Ariel Taranski Ariel Taranski is a writer for FinanceBuzz. She has worked as a content marketer for CPAs and financial advisors, and she enjoys being frugal and money-savvy in her day-to-day life. Ariel has also worked with clients such as The Knot, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Alpha Prime, and many more in her time as a freelance writer.

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