Favorite Costco Items for Easy Meals, From Mom Who Hates Cooking

2025-07-21T15:04:01Z

As a business owner and mom who hates cooking, Costco has become my go-to for low-effort meals.
We’re constantly running between school and sports practice, so dinner needs to hit the table fast.
Some of my favorite items include Costco’s street-taco kit and pre-seasoned salmon filets.

As a business owner and mom of two, my workdays vary wildly. Some are packed with travel and meetings, and others are more relaxed. No matter the pace, Costco is my go-to for meals that feel homemade with minimal effort.

I’ve been shopping at the warehouse for 13 years, and have found these 10 staples help keep our fridge stocked, our routine calm, and our meals balanced.

This Caesar salad kit comes together quickly and lasts for days.

This Caesar salad kit comes with everything I need for a quick meal.

Theresa Meeker Pickett

I love heading to Costco’s prepared food section and picking up this Caesar salad with dressing and croutons. It can be a full lunch when I’m working from home, or a tasty side to pair with dinner.

You’ll always find Barilla pasta in our kitchen.

Boxes of Barilla pasta on display at Costco. — I like to pair Barilla pasta with different sauces.

Theresa Meeker Pickett

Barilla pasta is a pantry staple that disappears quickly, so I always make sure to repurchase some when I head to Costco. It’s incredibly versatile, and can be used in everything from hearty meals to a simple after-school butter pasta.

Rao’s marinara sauce is made with real Italian tomatoes.

Jars of Rao's marinara sauce on display at Costco. — Rao’s marinara sauce is made with minimal ingredients.

Theresa Meeker Pickett

Rao’s marinara sauce is my go-to because it’s all-natural. It contains no added sugar and the primary ingredient is whole Italian tomatoes.

I stock up and serve it with pasta and a quick side salad for easy late-night dinners.

I can have dinner ready in one step with these pre-seasoned salmon fillets.

A hand holding a tin of salmon seasoned with butter and herbs at Costco. — The pre-seasoned salmon is great on its own or in tacos.

Theresa Meeker Pickett

These generously portioned fillets come pre-seasoned with butter and herbs, and just need to be popped in the oven. We make the most of the leftovers by using them in tacos, giving us two meals from one prep.

The beef loin top sirloin is great for grilling.

USDA Choice-grade steak at Costco. — Eating this steak feels like dining out.

Theresa Meeker Pickett

Costco’s beef loin top sirloin are a weekend favorite. They’re delicious grilled, and the leftovers can be used in rice bowls. It’s like a restaurant meal without the hefty price tag.

We add asparagus to our meals to up our veggie intake.

A hand holding a package of asparagus in front of a display at Costco. — This package comes with a generous amount of asparagus.

Theresa Meeker Pickett

We love adding a side of veggies to our protein, and this bag of asparagus can stretch across multiple meals. We like it roasted alongside steak or chopped into eggs.

Sliced mango makes a great snack.

A hand holding a container of mango slices at Costco. — Mango slices work for snack time or salsa.

Theresa Meeker Pickett

Costco has a great selection of fresh produce. These mango slices are delicious on their own as a healthy snack or diced in a quick mango salsa to pair with tacos.

Costco’s croissants are so versatile.

A package of croissants on display at Costco. — I like making sandwiches with these croissants.

Theresa Meeker Pickett

I always like to pick up a package of Costco’s butter croissants. They’re delicious on their own with coffee, make excellent breakfast sandwiches with eggs, and are the perfect base for turkey sandwiches for lunch.

This street-taco kit has dinner ready in minutes.

Costco's chicken street-taco kit with cups of salsa and cilantro lime crema. — Costco’s street-taco kit requires almost no preparation.

Theresa Meeker Pickett

This taco kit includes tortillas, slaw, salsa, and your choice of seasoned protein — grilled chicken or shrimp — all for under $20. It’s a dinner that’s easy, interactive, and customizable.

As someone from Maryland, I approve of Phillips jumbo lump crab meat.

Phillips Jumbo Lump Crab Meat on display at Costco. — Phillips jumbo lump crab meat brings restaurant flavor home.

Theresa Meeker Pickett

As a Marylander, I have to give kudos to Phillips jumbo lump crab meat. I live near some incredible restaurants on the Maryland Crab and Oyster Trail, but this is my go-to at home.

It’s perfect for a quick crab dip, whether we’re hosting a party or just want a little treat.

Click to keep reading Costco diaries like this one.

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