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When you become a parent, the days of late-night DoorDash and quick dinners become a thing of the past. Now, dinner often feels more like you’re competing in the culinary Olympics while trying to negotiate with tiny food critics. Between after-school activities, homework battles, and the universal “I’m starving!” declarations that somehow always coincide with your most exhausted moments, having a dinner strategy is essential. That’s where Costco comes to the rescue.
This warehouse wonderland isn’t just for bulk paper products and those tempting free samples— it’s actually a treasure trove of kid-friendly dinner shortcuts that won’t make you feel guilty for taking the easy route. Ahead, I’ve picked out 13 Costco finds that are sure to save evenings and your sanity. These items strike that magic balance between “foods my kids will actually eat without a 20-minute negotiation” and “meals I can feel reasonably good about serving to my family.” So grab your oversized cart and that magical membership card—we’re about to transform your weeknight dinner chaos into something you might even look forward to.
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Rotisserie Chicken
Image Credit: Costco. Of course, we have to start this list with the most iconic Costco dinner staple of all time: the rotisserie chicken. Perfect on its own or used for sandwiches, pizza, pastas, soups, casseroles, and so much more, you can’t leave the warehouse without picking up at least one of these.
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Basil Pesto
Image Credit: Costco. This is one of the best store-bought pestos I’ve tried, and it’s so versatile. I love it on sandwiches, but it’s also great in marinades, sauces, dips, and even pizza.
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Bacon
Image Credit: Costco. All you need to do to prepare this bacon is toss it in the microwave. Then you’re ready to make breakfast for dinner, or even some tasty BLTs!
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Lasagna
Image Credit: Costco. This is a great option for those nights when you don’t want to cook at all. Just toss this in the oven and you’ll have the next best thing to a home-cooked meal, just without the hassle and dishes.
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Chicken Skewers
Image Credit: Costco. These are delicious reheated, but they can also be tossed in salads for some protein, added to pasta, or turned into tacos. The options are endless!
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Kevin’s Natural Foods Orange Chicken
Image Credit: Costco. Anything from Kevin’s Natural Foods is delicious, but kids especially love this orange chicken takeout dupe.
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Kevin’s Natural Foods Korean BBQ-Style Beef
Image Credit: Costco. If your kids prefer beef, this is another must-have takeout dupe from Kevin’s Natural Foods.
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Mac & Cheese
Image Credit: Costco. Costco’s mac and cheese is one of the best store-bought mac and cheeses I have ever tried. Plus, you can freeze leftovers for later on!
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Chicken Meatballs
Image Credit: Costco. These are a great lower-calorie option compared to traditional meatballs and they’re so quick and easy to heat up. I love using them in Greek-inspired dinner bowls, but it’s a versatile ingredient that can become the star of so many different dishes.
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Pulled Prok
Image Credit: Costco. Tacos? Sandwiches? Pizza? Yep, this can be used for all of those quick, kid-friendly dinners.
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Grass-Fed Sirloin
Image Credit: Costco. Cooking the perfect steak can be stressful ,so let Costco do the hard part for you. All you need to do is reheat it!
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Tortelloni
Image Credit: Costco. This is one of Costco’s most versatile pastas. I use it for cold pasta salads in the summer, and soups and hot pasta dishes in the winter. Truly a must-have versatile dinner staple.
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Street Tacos
Image Credit: Costco. Did you know Costco sells ready-to-eat taco kits?! They’re great for quick dinners or even school lunches.
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