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.
So, get the most out of your membership by adding these simple items to your next shopping list.
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Frozen hamburger patties
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.
Chicken breasts
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.
Rotisserie chicken
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.
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Meals from the Food Court
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.
Salmon
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.
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Salad kit
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.
Lasagna
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.
Cake
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.
Pasta
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.
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Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
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Pulled pork
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.
Cereal
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.
Bottom line
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.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
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Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
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