11 Costco Items You Should Always Buy if You're a Bad Cook

Anyone who knows their way around a kitchen can find great ingredients at Costco to help them quickly whip up a delicious dinner. But what if you are a lousy cook?

Fear not: Costco offers great, easy-to-make, and pre-made dinners for those of us who will never qualify as chefs.

From ready-to-eat favorites to convenient ingredients that require little more than an oven or stovetop, Costco makes it easier to get dinner on the table without spending a fortune on takeout. Buying family-size packages can also help you stretch your grocery budget, especially when you portion ingredients and freeze what you won't use right away.

So, get the most out of your membership by adding these simple items to your next shopping list.

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

The frozen section at Costco has some easy options for the kitchen-challenged. For example, grab some hamburger patties to toss on the grill or your stove for a quick-and-easy dinner.

You can also pick up some hamburger buns from Costco's bakery.

Keep a bag of frozen patties on hand for those nights when cooking feels like too much work. You can cook only what you need and save the rest for another meal, helping you avoid wasting food.

Add cheese, lettuce, tomato, or your favorite condiments to make a simple burger feel more like a restaurant meal. Pair it with frozen french fries or a bagged salad for an easy dinner without a long list of ingredients. Buying the buns and burger toppings during the same Costco trip can also help you save time on extra grocery runs.

You can get a huge pack of chicken breasts at Costco. Pull out just one or two and make them tasty by adding a few simple ingredients.

Costco offers the option to buy a pack of bulk chicken breasts that are individually sealed. So, you can grab a few at a time without worrying about these items losing their freshness.

That individual packaging makes meal planning easier because you can thaw only the portions you need instead of dealing with one giant package. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite spice blend, then bake it for a straightforward dinner.

You can also slice cooked chicken for sandwiches, salads, wraps, or rice bowls throughout the week. Buying in bulk can be especially helpful for families that eat chicken regularly, and freezing unused portions helps you get more value from your Costco haul.

If you don't want to grab a whole bag of chicken breasts, choose a rotisserie chicken instead.

A rotisserie chicken can be a good option on its own for lunch or dinner, or you can pick it apart as an easy ingredient for a recipe. Make chicken salad or add the chicken to a simple soup to give it more taste and heartiness.

Costco's famous rotisserie chicken is especially useful when you want a filling meal without turning on the oven. Serve it with microwaveable rice and frozen vegetables, or pull the meat from the bones to make several quick meals.

Leftover chicken works well in quesadillas, sandwiches, casseroles, and pasta dishes, so one purchase can go a long way. Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator and use them within three to four days, or freeze portions for later. With so many ways to use it, this prepared chicken can help you skip pricier takeout.

A genius shopping hack is to head to the Food Court and take advantage of the great deals on meals. Costco is justly famous for its hot dog combo and pizza. And there's no cooking required on your part.

The food court is a convenient backup when grocery shopping has worn you out and you don't feel like making dinner. The $1.50 hot dog and soda combo remains a standout bargain, while pizza is another easy option for a quick bite.

Prices and menu selections can vary, so check your warehouse before making a special trip. If you're feeding several people, consider how much a whole pizza costs compared with buying individual meals elsewhere. You can enjoy a filling, no-prep meal without paying restaurant prices or leaving a big pile of dishes in the sink.

There are several salad-kit options at Costco that can make for a filling and healthy meal. Check out the refrigerated section for bagged salad kits that include toppings and dressing for a quick fix.

Or try the Caesars salad kit made fresh by Costco. If you want a little extra for your salad, pick up a rotisserie chicken or canned chicken to bump up your salad to the next level.

Salad kits are a smart choice when you want something fresh without buying several separate ingredients. The included toppings and dressing save you the trouble of measuring everything yourself, and you won't need to wash and chop a whole head of lettuce. Add leftover chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas to make your salad more substantial.

You can also serve it alongside pizza, pasta, or another easy main dish. Check the package size and use-by date before buying, particularly if you're shopping for one or two people, so you can enjoy the ingredients before they go to waste.

Like Costco's bulk-size chicken breasts, the warehouse retailer's salmon filets are also individually wrapped.

You can bake them in an oven-safe dish, and you only need some seasoning to make them really shine. Try shaking a little dill on them with some butter or add some garlic powder for a little kick.

Individually wrapped portions make salmon easier to plan around, whether you're cooking for one or preparing dinner for the whole family. Bake the fillets with lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper for a simple meal that doesn't require complicated techniques. Serve them with frozen vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes to round things out without buying expensive side dishes.

Salmon can also be flaked into leftover rice or added to a salad the next day. Keep unused portions frozen until you're ready to prepare them, and check the package instructions for safe thawing and cooking guidance.

Toss a lasagna in the oven and walk away for a simple but hearty dinner.

Costco's lasagna can feed a whole family, and the foolproof instructions on the side of the package prevent you from making a mistake. Check your local Costco for salad or garlic bread options to create a full meal.

Frozen or refrigerated prepared lasagna is a practical option for busy evenings because the oven does most of the work. Follow the package directions for cooking time and temperature, since instructions can differ by product.

A large tray can provide multiple servings, making it useful for family dinners or leftovers for lunch the next day. Add a simple salad or steamed vegetables for an easy side without much extra prep. Compared with ordering individual meals from a restaurant, a family-size lasagna can be a budget-friendly way to feed everyone at home.

Costco has some great options for an easy, end-of-the-day pasta meal. Check out the refrigerated section for pasta options such as five-cheese tortellini or lobster ravioli.

You can also buy dry pasta — like a pack of spaghetti — from Costco and match it with Costco pasta sauce and some frozen meatballs for a simple dinner.

The beauty of pasta is that you can make a satisfying meal with just a few inexpensive ingredients. Refrigerated tortellini or ravioli can help dinner come together quickly, while pantry-friendly dry pasta is easy to keep on hand for another night. Combine either option with jarred sauce, then add frozen meatballs, cooked chicken, or vegetables if you want something more filling.

Buying larger packages of pasta and sauce can help lower the cost per serving, especially when you use what you already have in the pantry. Keep a few staples stocked, and you'll have an easy alternative to takeout whenever time is tight.

Costco is one of the best places to get a sheet cake for a birthday or other celebration.

Call ahead to get a special design on a sheet cake from the warehouse retailer. It's a much better option than trying to bake a cake on your own.

A Costco sheet cake can be a budget-friendly way to serve dessert to a crowd without paying bakery prices for individual slices. It's a convenient pick for birthday parties, family gatherings, and office celebrations, especially when you need enough cake for a lot of guests. Ordering a cake also saves you the time and expense of buying baking ingredients, decorating supplies, and other extras.

Contact your local warehouse's bakery to confirm available sizes, flavors, designs, and ordering requirements. Plan ahead for special occasions so you have time to arrange the details and pick up your cake before the celebration.

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When you can't cook, there's always cereal to fall back on. Costco has plenty of options to choose from.

Check out the variety of boxes you might get for less than at your local grocery store. The retailer also carries instant oatmeal that just needs some hot water, which shouldn't be too difficult for even the least skilled of cooks.

Buying cereal in larger packages can help you stock up on a quick breakfast or an easy snack without making frequent trips to the grocery store. Compare package sizes and unit prices to see whether the bulk option offers a real savings over smaller boxes. You can also use cereal as a simple topping for yogurt or pair it with fruit for a more filling breakfast.

Instant oatmeal is another handy pantry staple, especially on chilly mornings when you want something warm without much effort. Keep an eye on package sizes and expiration dates so you can finish what you buy.

Costco's Kirkland Signature brand is a good option if you like smoked pulled pork.

It's a simple ingredient to add to hamburger buns for a sandwich. You can also mix it with barbecue sauce to give it a little extra flavor.

Because it's smoked, you can even get away with eating it without the sauce. Add a small salad or vegetables for a more healthful dinner.

Prepared pulled pork is a handy shortcut when you want barbecue flavor without spending hours cooking meat yourself. Warm it according to the package directions, pile it onto buns, and serve it with coleslaw or frozen vegetables for a simple dinner.

You can also use leftovers in quesadillas, baked potatoes, or rice bowls to keep meals interesting without buying more ingredients. If you don't plan to use the whole package at once, divide it into smaller portions and refrigerate or freeze them according to food-safety guidance. It's an easy way to make several meals from one convenient purchase.

Costco is a great place to save on groceries, and you will find plenty of great options even if you are not a whiz in the kitchen. Try some of the items on this list the next time you make a Costco run.

From bulk chicken and salmon to ready-made lasagna and rotisserie chicken, the warehouse has plenty of ways to make mealtime less stressful. Buying larger packages can help you save when you choose foods you'll actually use, and freezing individual portions makes it easier to avoid waste.

Prepared meals and simple pantry staples can also help you resist the temptation to order takeout on busy nights. You don't need fancy cooking skills or expensive ingredients to put dinner on the table.

With a little planning, Costco can help you feed your household while keeping your grocery budget in check.