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14 Low-Priced Costco Staples for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Make weeknight dinners a breeze with these essential Costco items you can't live without.

woman holding frying pan
Ariel Taranski
By Ariel Taranski
Michael Kurko
Edited by Michael Kurko
Updated July 18, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

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: $17.49

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.

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Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Beef Patties

Courtesy of Costco Costco's grass fed beef patties Kirkland Signature

Price: $32.95

Get a craft burger taste at an affordable price with grass-fed beef patties. 

This 15-pack of burgers is perfect for outdoor grill night. To complete the meal, grab your favorite bun, fries, veggies, and condiments at Costco.

Rana Maine Lobster Ravioli

Courtesy of Costco 2-pack of lobster ravioli from Costco

Price: $12.99

Pasta night just got a whole lot easier.

With this lobster ravioli, 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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Frontera Chicken Fajita Bowl

Courtesy of Costco Chicken fajita bowl ready-meal

Price: $12.39

Make a flavorful fajita bowl with chicken raised without antibiotics. This meal has no artificial ingredients, it includes fire-roasted peppers, a healthy grain blend, and the chipotle sauce that gives it just the kick you need.

Yet another Costco ready-made item for an easy weeknight meal.

Kirkland Signature Basil Pesto

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz kirkland signature basil pesto

Price: $10.69

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.

Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz kirkland signature smoked pulled pork

Price: $16.79

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.

Costco Secrets: 7 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know

Kirkland Signature Chunk Chicken Breasts

Courtesy of Costco Costco-Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast

Price: $14.99

Just add these chicken breasts to any easy meal.

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.

Marie Callender's NAE Chicken Pot Pies

Courtesy of Costco Marie Callenders chicken pot pie at Costco

Price: $14.99

These chicken pot pies make a perfect comfort-food dinner.

This is an easy dinner that you can just pop in the oven while you relax after work. each pie has 25g of protein and no preservatives. It's microwavable, but we all know the perfect crust is well worth the time cooking in the oven.

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Kirkland Signature Stir-Fry Vegetable Blend

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz stir fry vegetable blend

Price: $11.79

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.

Kirkland Signature Farm-Raised Raw Shrimp

Courtesy of Instacart bag of frozen shrimp from Costco

Price: $13.59

Looking for a healthier ingredient to add to your dinners?

Use this frozen shrimp to toss in anything from pasta to rice, or simply saute it with some veggies. And at this low price, it’s a handy staple to have in your freezer for any meal.

Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce

Courtesy of Costco A package of Rao's Marinara Sauce from Costco

Price: $13.59

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.

Costco Insider's Guide: 12 little clever ways to get more out of your Costco membership

Kirkland Signature Organic Salsa

Courtesy of Walmart containers of Kirkland Signature organic salsa

Price: $11.49

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.

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