Are you looking for easy cooking shortcuts? Luckily, Costco has a lot of products that make meal prep easy and save you a lot of time in the kitchen. From ready-to-eat staples to quick-fix ingredients to kitchen appliances, here are the best Costco cooking shortcuts you need to know about!
Amylu Chicken Crumbles
Amylu Chicken Crumbles are the ultimate cooking shortcut. Fully cooked and ready to go, you can simply heat them in a pan or microwave. Plus, they come with a delicious sesame ginger sauce! Toss them over rice or noodles for a quick, delicious meal—no need to cook ground chicken from scratch.
Ninja 2-Basket Air Fryer
The Ninja 2-Basket Air Fryer is a must-have for efficiency. This innovative air fryer lets you cook two different items at once, meaning no more waiting for one to finish before starting the other. You can air fry your meat and sides simultaneously, making it a huge time saver!
Como Como Yucatan Chicken
Costco has teamed up with celebrity chef José Garces to make meal prep easy! His Como Como Yucatan Chicken features tender, slow-braised chicken infused with bold Latin flavors. It’s the perfect cooking shortcut for busy weeknight dinners—just heat it up and serve it with rice for a delicious meal.
MamaMancini’s Beef Meatballs
Don’t waste your time making meatballs from scratch! MamaMancini’s Beef Meatballs are fully cooked and ready to add to your pasta dishes in minutes. Simply heat them in a pan or microwave and add them to pasta with marinara sauce (I suggest Rao’s Marinara). Don’t feel like dealing with extra dishes? Skip the pan and microwave them for an even quicker meal.
Foodi Possible Cooker Pro
The Foodi Possible Cooker is a game-changer in the kitchen. This versatile appliance replaces 14 cooking appliances and functions as a slow cooker, nonstick pan, steam oven, food warmer, and even a bread maker.
Oven-safe, it allows you to sear and sauté directly in the pot, then finish cooking in the oven without the need to transfer to a separate casserole dish. It’s the perfect solution for cutting down on cleanup by eliminating the need for extra pans.
Whole30 Pesto Chicken
These Whole30 Pesto Chicken breasts are another game-changing cooking shortcut. Already marinated in rich, flavorful pesto, they’re fully cooked and ready in just 5 minutes. Simply microwave or heat them in a pan, then serve with salad, rice, or pasta. Say goodbye to the hassle of marinating and cooking chicken breasts from scratch!
Dutch Oven
Costco’s Dutch Oven is a game-changer for cooking shortcuts. It’s versatile enough to go straight from the stovetop to the oven—no need to transfer to an oven-safe casserole dish. The Dutch oven is oven-safe, saving you time and the hassle of washing an extra pot.
MamaMancini’s Flame Grilled Chicken Breasts
For simple, versatile chicken, MamaMancini’s Flame Grilled Chicken Breasts are a must-try. Fully cooked and perfectly seasoned, all you need to do is heat them in the microwave or on a pan. It doesn’t get easier than that!
Jus-Rol Pizza Dough
Want to make homemade pizza without the hassle? Costco’s Jus-Rol Pizza Dough is your answer. This pre-rolled, refrigerated dough makes pizza night effortless. Just roll out the pizza dough, add your favorite sauce and toppings, bake it in the oven, and you have homemade pizza with minimal effort.
Grilled Mediterranean-Style Chicken Skewers
These Grilled Mediterranean-Style Chicken Skewers are a tasty and convenient option from Costco. Fully cooked and packed with flavor, all you need to do is pop them in the microwave, and they’re ready to eat. Perfect for quick lunches, dinners, or even as an easy appetizer.
Tattooed Chef Sheet Pan Vegetables
Tattooed Chef Sheet Pan Vegetables are the ultimate cooking shortcut. The slicing and seasoning are already done for you—all you need to do is spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven. In no time, you’ll have perfectly roasted, flavorful veggies with zero hassle.
Kirkland Garlic Butter Shrimp
Cooking doesn’t get easier than with Kirkland Garlic Butter Shrimp. Heat them in a pan and serve over pasta for instant shrimp scampi. Want something even simpler? Microwave them for a quick, garlicky shrimp dish—perfect with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Costco’s Chicken Pot Pie
Costco’s Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate dinner shortcut. Pre-assembled and ready to bake, all you have to do is bake it in the oven, and a hearty, comforting meal is on the table in no time. It’s delicious, packed with tender chicken and veggies, and comes at a really low price (less than $25 for a giant pot pie!) You can’t go wrong!
Amylu Chicken Burgers
Costco carries a variety of Amylu Chicken Burgers, making meal prep easy. At my local warehouse, you’ll find flavors like Organic Caramelized Onion with White Cheddar and Greek-Style Chicken Burgers. These chicken patties are fully cooked—just heat them up and enjoy them as a quick, protein-packed addition to salads or on a bun for a fast meal.
Seeds of Change Quinoa and Brown Rice
No time to cook rice from scratch? No problem! Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice is a microwavable option ready in just 90 seconds. Seasoned with garlic and full of flavor, it’s the perfect, easy side dish. Check out 26 Things I Never Pay Full Price at Costco
Kirkland Minced Garlic
Who has time to peel and mince garlic? Kirkland Minced Garlic is a major time saver, making any dish with garlic easy to prepare. It’s a convenient, mess-free option that eliminates the need for an extra cutting board and knife to clean! Check out 23 Costco Items that are a Total Waste of Money for Small Households
Portable Blender
Okay, this isn’t exactly a cooking shortcut, but it’s a smoothie shortcut! The Ninja Blast Portable Blender allows you to blend smoothies on the go. Just fill it with frozen fruit, and blend when you’re ready to drink. It’s a huge time saver for busy mornings! Check out Costco vs Sam’s Club: 14 Major Differences You Should Know About
Costco’s Ready-to-Heat Salmon
Costco’s prepared food section sells ready-to-heat salmon that will cut your cooking time in half. Whether you choose the Stuffed Salmon or Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter, all you need to do is heat it in the oven, and dinner is ready in no time. It’s a simple, delicious way to enjoy a salmon dish without the hassle. Check out 21 Best Bulk Buys from Costco that Will Last You All Year (and Save You Money)
Mashed Potatoes
Costco’s Mashed Potatoes are the side dish shortcut. Fully prepared and topped with slices of butter, all you have to do is transfer them to an oven-safe casserole dish and heat. No peeling, boiling, or mashing required—just creamy, delicious mashed potatoes ready in minutes. Check out 18 Easy Meals from Costco for When You’re Too Lazy to Cook
Chicken Alfredo
Costco’s Chicken Alfredo is the perfect shortcut for an easy pasta dinner. This fully assembled dish comes with pasta, Alfredo sauce, chicken, and shredded cheese. Simply heat the casserole in the oven, and you have a delicious pasta dish ready to serve. My kids love this! Check out 24 Best Kirkland Products I Always Buy at Costco
Pre-Seasoned Meats
Costco’s selection of Pre-Marinated Meats makes meal prep really easy. There is no need to spend time marinating—just buy a pre-marinated pack and cook! For example, their Garlic-Seasoned Party Wings are pre-seasoned and ready to bake. Just heat them in the oven for a quick chicken wings dish. Check out 10 Costco Shopping Mistakes that Waste Money for Couples and Small Families
Kirkland Frozen Stir-Fry Vegetable Blend
Kirkland’s Frozen Stir-Fry Vegetable Blend cuts your meal prep in half. This mix has all the veggies you need for a stir-fry—even mushrooms! Just toss it in a pan with teriyaki or soy sauce, and you have a quick, healthy stir-fry in minutes. It’s the perfect shortcut for busy weeknights. Check out 24 Best Costco Asian Food that You Need to Try
Morey’s Wild Alaskan Salmon
Morey’s Wild Alaskan Salmon is a go-to for a quick salmon dinner. These pre-marinated salmon fillets just need to be defrosted and baked. Don’t worry, defrosting is quick—I usually immerse the fillets in a mixing bowl filled with water, and they’re ready in no time. It’s an easy, healthy meal. Check out 24 Best Healthy Foods that I Only Buy at Costco Because It’s Cheaper
Bagged Salad Kits
Costco’s Bagged Salad Kits are total time savers. The veggies are pre-washed, pre-sliced, and come with dressing and toppings. All you have to do is toss and serve! My favorites are the Caesar Salad Kit and the Sweet Kale Salad Kit—both make it super easy to add a fresh, tasty side to any meal. Check out 28 Things I Always Buy at Costco
Kirkland Egg Bites
Costco makes quick breakfasts easy with Kirkland Egg Bites. These delicious egg bites are a perfect cooking shortcut—just microwave, and they’re ready to eat. It’s a fast egg dish that beats making breakfast from scratch. Check out 17 Costco Meals Cheaper than Restaurant Take Out to Save You Money
Breakfast Sandwiches
For busy mornings, Costco’s frozen Kirkland Breakfast Sandwiches are a lifesaver. With bacon, egg, and cheese on a croissant, all you have to do is microwave, and you’ve got a tasty, on-the-go breakfast in minutes. Check out 15 Best Costco Breakfast Items for Busy Mornings
Rao’s Marinara Sauce
Rao’s Marinara Sauce is my go-to for delicious, authentic pasta sauce. Once you try it, you won’t want to go back to other brands. It’s hands-down the best tasting marinara, making pasta nights easy. Check out 25 Easy Costco Frozen Food Staples for Quick Dinners