We’ve all been here: It’s 4:30 p.m., you’re tired, and you haven’t begun to think about what’s for dinner. But if you’ve got a Sam’s Club membership, you’re in luck. Sam’s has a number of ready-to-go meals for the whole family at prices that will fit into your grocery budget.
One of the best ways to save money at Sam’s Club is to shop at the warehouse instead of getting fast food or takeout. You can get most of your favorite dishes to feed your crew at a fraction of what you’d pay at a restaurant. You can get ready-made entrees at the deli or keep a few frozen meals on hand for a quick dinner. Here are a few of our top choices for the best easy Sam’s Club dinner ideas.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Member’s Mark Cheese Manicotti
Price: $3.98 per pound
Need a dish for meatless Monday? Look no further. This manicotti is vegetarian and comes stuffed with mozzarella cheese and savory spices. Bake it in the oven for 25-30 minutes, and dinner is on the table. Add a salad and garlic bread, and this hearty meal will satisfy everyone. You’d pay $12.29 for 25 oz. of Rao's Made for Home All Natural Frozen Pasta Meal Four Cheese Pasta Bake at Target — that comes out to $7.84 per pound.
Member’s Mark Chicken Pot Pie
Price: $3.78 per pound
Unlike the ones in the frozen section, these chicken pot pies are made fresh at Sam’s Club daily. A perfectly flaky crust covers shredded chicken, carrots, and peas, smothered in a delicious cream sauce in this crowd favorite. It comes ready to bake, so you can have dinner on the table in 60-90 minutes with minimal effort.
Bird’s Eye Garlic Chicken Skillet
Price: $10.47
There’s no oven needed for this meal. Perfectly seasoned chicken with top-quality veggies goes great atop a bed of rice or your family's favorite noodles. You can have a wholesome, filling meal from frozen to the table in about 35 minutes with just a skillet — all with no preservatives or artificial flavors. A 21-ounce package at Walmart will cost you $4.97, meaning you’d pay almost $14 for the same amount.
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Barber Foods Stuffed Cordon Bleu Chicken Breast
Price: $12.98 for six
For nights that you want to feel fancy but don’t relish the thought of cooking, this tender chicken stuffed with ham and cheese and coated with a crispy breading will solve the problem. At under $13 for a six-pack, you still have room in your budget to garnish these cutlets with your favorite sides. You’ll pay close to $15 for the same amount at Kroger.
Ajinomoto Vegetable Chow Mein
Price: $14.88
Skip takeout and feed the whole family for under $15 with this chow mein. You’ll get six 9-ounce packs that come with 10 different veggies and noodles in a savory sauce. And best of all? No pan needed — just pop it in the microwave and say goodbye to hefty takeout prices. Compare to $4.83 for just four ounces of Nissin Chow Mein and Walmart and it’s a no-brainer of a steal.
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Rotisserie Chicken
Price: $4.98
This is the real reason you have a Sam’s Club membership, right? This antibiotic-free chicken goes in and with just about everything, and you can’t beat the price at under $5 — that’s less than you’d pay for a whole chicken to roast at home. And even better, Costco’s rotisserie chicken is almost a dollar more.
16” Whole Pizza
Price: $8.98
Who needs delivery when you can get a Sam’s Club take-and-bake pizza for half the price? These pizzas are made right there in the store and never frozen. Pick from four meat, pepperoni, or cheese flavors to feed your crew. They are great on their own or add your own toppings for a personalized masterpiece. At Costco, you’d pay more than double the Sam’s price for a similar pizza.
Chicken Alfredo
Price: $3.98 per pound
This casserole is sure to fill up the whole family. Sam’s Chicken Alfredo combines fusilli pasta in a creamy alfredo sauce and tops it all off with the perfect amount of freshly grated parm. It feeds four, and at under $4, it is way more affordable than $5.25 per pound for a similar meal from Costco.
La Terra Fina Quiche Variety Pack
Price: $14.48
Breakfast for dinner doesn't have to be pancakes — quiche is also a great contender. This two-pack of quiches lets you choose from cheddar broccoli and classic Lorraine flavors. They are made from egg whites — no yolks here — for a fluffy, delicious bite for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. At Kroger, just one La Terra Fina Quiche sells for $9.99.
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Flo's Checkerboard Kitchen Chicken Parmesan Meal Kit
Price: $14.98
This classic Italian dish is ready for you to heat and serve. It comes with six pieces of seasoned, breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Add pasta and a salad to round out the meal if you wish, or simply heat and enjoy! It’s a steal at less than $15 — compare it to a similar meal kit from BJ’s that sells for around $20.
Stuffed Peppers
Price: $4.98 per pound
If you’re looking for a tasty way to add more veggies to your meals, these stuffed peppers make it easy. The colorful bell peppers become tender and sweet when baked, creating the perfect vessel for the filling. They come stuffed with seasoned rice, ground beef, and cheese. A similar meal from Costco sells for almost $1 more per pound.
Chicken Taco Kit
Price: $5.48 per pound
Take Taco Tuesday to the next level with this all-inclusive chicken taco kit. It has everything you need — even salsa and cilantro lime crema — to make a tasty meal. This kit serves 10-12 people in just 15 minutes and will save you almost $1 per pound compared to Costco.
Jack Daniel's Pulled Pork
Price: $15.98 for 3 pound
This is one of the higher-priced items on this list, but $16 buys you three pounds of juicy BBQ pork. That’s enough for tonight’s dinner and tomorrow’s lunch for the whole family. Pick up some buns from the bakery and some sides of baked beans and coleslaw, and you’ve got the ideal Southern comfort meal. You’d pay $17.54 for only two pounds at Costco.
Gourmet Twice-Baked Potatoes
Price: $14.72
These potatoes come with all the fixings: cheese, bacon, butter, sour cream, and chives. Cover them with foil and heat for 50-55 minutes, and you’ve got yourself a comforting, savory meal. The fluffy interior and crispy skin create the perfect contrast of textures in every bite.
Bottom line
One of the best ways to save money on groceries is to spend it on groceries—not at restaurants. While inflation on the whole has risen 31% since 2014, the price of fast food has risen 50% – 100% during the same time, depending on the chain.
The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice your favorite dishes to keep your grocery budget under control. Whether you love Italian, Mexican, or Asian cuisine, Sam’s Club has a variety of meals that can feed the whole family for a reasonable cost. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to warehouse-style savings.
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