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14 Thrifty Costco Staples for Easy Weeknight Dinners

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

Panoramic view of Costco Wholesale store at sunset
Updated Nov. 4, 2025
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Gathering all the ingredients you need for meal planning can be a chore in and of itself. Especially if you have to go make multiple runs to different grocery stores just to buy simple ingredients.

That's why you can get more out of your Costco membership by buying items in bulk so you can 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 and availability are subject to change and may also vary by location.

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Annie's Organic Mac and Cheese Variety Pack

Annie's Organic Mac and Cheese Variety Pack

Price: $14.99

There's so much you can do with mac and cheese, especially if you want to keep more cash in your wallet. But you do not want to get stuck with a brand that will not satisfy your children.

This is a variety pack not to miss 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. 

Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Beef Patties

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Beef Patties

Price: $32.45

Get a craft burger taste at an affordable price with grass-fed beef patties. This 15-pack of burgers is perfect for an outdoor grill night. To complete the meal, grab your favorite bun, fries, veggies, and condiments at Costco.

Rana Maine Lobster Ravioli

Courtesy of Costco Rana Maine Lobster Ravioli

Price: $13.99

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.

This is an even better deal if you catch it on sale, but make sure to grab it before it sells out. 

Frontera Chicken Fajita Bowl

Courtesy of Costco Frontera Chicken Fajita Bowl

Price: $10.99

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. This is another one you do not want to pass, as your family gathering guests will love this dish. 

Kirkland Signature Basil Pesto

Kirkland Signature Basil Pesto

Price: $11.79

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

Kirkland Signature Smoked Pulled Pork

Price: $16.45

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.

Kirkland Signature Chunk Chicken Breasts

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland Signature Chunk Chicken Breasts

Price: $16.99

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

Rotisserie Chicken

Price: $5.66

Costco's rotisserie chicken is a popular ready-to-go meal. This affordable dinner option just requires your favorite sides. You can even make a pulled chicken recipe for sandwiches, wraps, and more.

Marie Callender's NAE Chicken Pot Pies

Courtesy of Costco Marie Callender's NAE Chicken Pot Pies

Price: $14.74

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 25 grams 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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Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

alfons/Adobe woman paying contactless credit card

October is here, bringing crisp air, cozy vibes, and the countdown to Halloween. As the season shifts, so do the savings, making it the perfect time to refresh your home, wardrobe, and pantry with autumn-ready finds. Look for deals on:

  • Cold-weather layers
  • Fall decor and seasonal home goods
  • Halloween costumes, candy, and party supplies
  • For grocery savings, grab peak-fall produce, like apples, squash, cranberries, and sweet potatoes

With holiday prep just around the corner, October is a great time to stock up early, take advantage of early seasonal promos before the big rush begins, and ease into the year-end rush with smart buys.

Kirkland Signature Stir-Fry Vegetable Blend

Kirkland Signature Stir-Fry Vegetable Blend

Price: $10.88

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 Costco Kirkland Signature Farm-Raised Raw Shrimp

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 cook 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 Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce

Price: $13.61

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.

Kirkland Signature Organic Salsa

Courtesy of Costco 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

Don Pancho Cilantro Lime Crema Sauce

Price: $8.99

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. Make sure to bring your best cash back credit cards to save the most you can. 

Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill

pawczar/Adobe woman buying fruits at grocery store

Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:

  • Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
  • Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
  • Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.

Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.

Bottom line

Sundry Photography/Adobe Costco Wholesale logo printed on the shopping carts

Costco has a wide range of value-sized products at cost-effective prices that will help you save money on groceries. Make sure to look for deals online on their website before you go into the store. 

Buying your dinners here can mean saving money and time so that you can spend your summer on other fun activities and vacations. So, do not miss out on these deals for your next run to Costco. 

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