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- 14 Easy Costco Buys for a Quick And Delicious Meal (financebuzz.com)
Dinner Dilemmas Solved: Easy Meals from Costco to Save Your Sanity
Between juggling full-time work and endless household chores, it’s a genuine marvel if any of us manage to get everything done. More often than not, the answer is a resounding “we don’t.”
With precious little time to spare, meal preparation is often the first thing to fall by the wayside. If the thought of cooking dinner after a long day makes you want to crawl under the covers, then these Costco shopping hacks are about to become your new best friend.
We’ve rounded up some incredibly easy meal ideas using ready-made items or key ingredients from your local Costco. Get ready to reclaim your evenings!
Editor’s Note: Item availability is subject to change and may vary by location.
1. Bibigo Beef Bulgogi Mandu
“Bulgogi” translates to “fire meat,” a delectable Korean dish featuring premium beef cuts bathed in a sweet and savory sauce. “Mandu,” on the other hand, are Korean-style dumplings.
Combine these two, and you’ve got a taste sensation that’s ready in a mere eight minutes. Pure deliciousness, delivered fast.
2. Petite Cuisine Mozzarella Sticks
Some might argue that Costco’s Petite Cuisine Mozzarella Sticks aren’t a complete meal on their own. And, well, they might have a point.
But fear not, there’s an easy fix! Pair these crispy, cheesy delights with a quick side salad, and voilà-dinner is served.
3. Crazy Cuisine Mandarin Orange Chicken
Love your local Chinese takeout but not what it does to your wallet? You can easily recreate some of your favorite dishes at home, thanks to Costco’s fantastic frozen foods section.
This highly-rated mandarin chicken comes fully cooked. Just heat it up and add some rice or veggies for a satisfying meal.
4. Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Beef Patties
Burgers are a classic for a reason, and while they might seem obvious, we’d be remiss not to highlight that Costco’s own Kirkland brand offers an excellent burger patty. This quintessential American meal is also one of the easiest to prepare.
Just toast a bun, add your favorite toppings, and you’re good to go. Pro Tip: Hamburger buns freeze beautifully for extended freshness!
5. Kirkland Signature Chicken Bakes
Since its debut in 1995, Kirkland Signature has become synonymous with quality. Thankfully, Costco offers a wide array of products under this trusted brand, including these incredibly tasty chicken bakes. Stuffed with a mouth-watering blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheeses, along with bacon, green onions, and Caesar dressing, they’re a surprisingly gourmet option for a quick weeknight dinner.
6. Armanino Basil Pesto
Homemade pesto is truly a culinary delight, but let’s be honest: it requires time, effort, and specialized equipment. Plus, those pine nuts?
They can seriously add up! Fortunately, Costco offers a delicious pre-made frozen pesto.
Simply heat it, boil some pasta, and enjoy a gourmet meal without the fuss.
7. El Monterey Mexican Grill Taquitos
These frozen taquitos are the epitome of convenience. Just pop them in the oven or microwave, and in minutes, you’ll have a delightful snack or meal. Made with real cheese, charbroiled chicken breast, and soft flour tortillas, they’re perfect for those evenings when you’re just too tired to cook.
8. Kirkland Signature Cheese Pizza
Sometimes, the simplest meals are the best. The humble cheese pizza, often unfairly relegated to picky eaters and kids’ parties, is a deliciously satisfying meal, especially when paired with your favorite hot sauce or a drizzle of ranch dressing. This Costco-brand pizza boasts 100% real cheese and a delectable breadcrumb crust.
9. Rotisserie Chicken
Costco’s rotisserie chickens are legendary – and for good reason! The company famously sells them at a bargain-low price, often taking a loss.
However, since you have to trek to the back of the store to snag one, shoppers often pick up other items along the way, helping Costco make up for those chicken losses. Beyond simply eating it as is, this versatile bird can be shredded and added to stir-fries, soups, salads, and more!
10. Ajinomoto Yakisoba with Vegetables
A homemade stir-fry is already a quick meal, but a stir-fry from a box? Even quicker!
And the best part? It tastes far better than “stir-fry from a box” might suggest.
Made with all-natural ingredients, these Japanese-style noodles come complete with a savory sauce and frozen vegetables, making it a fantastic option, even for vegetarians.
11. La Boulangerie Ham and Swiss Cheese Pockets
If anyone dares to tell you that a ham and cheese croissant isn’t a suitable meal, we grant you full permission to scoff in their general direction. Clearly, they haven’t spent much time in France! These delightful pastries are perfect for a lighter dinner or when you’re simply too burnt out to spend time in the kitchen.
12. Trident Seafoods the Ultimate Fish Stick
Made from wild Alaskan pollock, these breaded fish pieces are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Packed with protein, they pair perfectly with rice or pasta and offer a welcome change of pace if you’re feeling a bit “chickened out” from your usual weeknight routine.
13. Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pies
Chicken pot pies are the ultimate comfort food, but the traditional preparation involves a significant amount of chopping, sauce-making, and perhaps even crust-from-scratch efforts. Thankfully, we live in modern times, where a delicious, ready-made chicken pot pie is just a freezer away. Pick one up at Costco and experience the cozy goodness for yourself.
The Bottom Line
Energy is a precious commodity these days, and conserving it whenever possible is key. Not only can you save money on groceries at Costco, but you can also significantly cut down on your weekly meal prep time.
So, the next time you’re staring blankly into the fridge, wondering what to make for dinner, remember these quick and easy Costco meals. Your taste buds-and your schedule-will thank you!
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- 14 Easy Costco Buys for a Quick And Delicious Meal (financebuzz.com)