Guide To Costco Meal Prep

Tired of the daily struggle of deciding what to eat or make for your family? Meal prepping can be a game-changer, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many recipes and limited time, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s where Costco comes in.

Costco meal prep is an easy way to plan your weekly meals and streamline your routine. In this article, we’ll provide you with Costco meal prep ideas, ingredients to add to your grocery list, the benefits of meal planning and even tips on how to shop Costco through Instacart. Let’s jump right into the meal prepping process at Costco.

Proteins

Proteins are key ingredients if you’re unsure how to meal prep at Costco. From lean cuts of steak and seafood to plant-based alternatives, you can find everything you need to create balanced, delicious meals. Here are a few proteins you can find at Costco.

• Meat: Chicken breasts, ground beef, steak, pork chops
• Seafood: Salmon, shrimp, tuna, tilapia
• Eggs: Whole eggs, egg whites, scrambled eggs
• Plant-based proteins: Tofu, tempeh, lentils, beans

Produce

Costco makes meal prepping easy by offering fresh produce for every meal. Choose from vibrant fruits and vegetables for juicing, snacks or complex dishes. You can find prewashed salad mixes, bulk bags of fruits and vegetables and much more. Add these fresh produce staples to your Costco meal prep grocery list.

• Fruits: Apples, bananas, berries, grapes, citrus fruits
• Vegetables: Spinach, kale, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, onions
• Salad kits: Prewashed and premixed salads

Dairy products

Dairy products can be used in various ways when you’re meal planning. Perhaps Greek yogurt for breakfast parfaits on the go? Or try incorporating different types of cheese in your high-protein burritos.

• Milk: Whole, skim, almond, oat milk
• Yogurt: Greek, plain, flavored yogurt
• Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, cottage cheese
• Butter: Salted, unsalted, butter alternatives

Grains and pasta

Grains and pasta are great if you’re unsure what to buy at Costco for meal prep. Choose from whole grains like quinoa and brown rice to your favorite dry pasta shapes for all meals. Whether you’re looking to create hearty salads, comforting low-calorie soups or satisfying side dishes, incorporate these grains and pastas into your meal prep routine.

• Rice: White, brown, jasmine rice
• Pasta: Spaghetti, penne, elbow macaroni
• Quinoa: A versatile grain for salads, bowls or side dishes
• Oats: Perfect for oatmeal, granola or adding to smoothies

Pantry staples

Having a fully stocked pantry is the foundation of successful meal prepping. At Costco, you can buy essential items like the best oil for frying, seasonings to spice up any dish and flour in bulk to bake or cook your weekly meals. 

• Oils: Olive, avocado, vegetable, coconut oil
• Vinegar: White, balsamic, apple cider vinegar
• Sauces and condiments: Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce
• Spices and seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
• Baking powder and baking soda: For leavening agents
• Flour: All-purpose, whole wheat, almond flour
• Sugar: Granulated, brown, Demerara sugar

Frozen foods

Running short on time? Frozen foods offer a convenient meal prep option. Costco’s extensive selection of frozen products features everything from fruits and vegetables to meats and prepared meals. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner idea or a snack for on the go, frozen foods can be a valuable addition to your meal prep rotation.

• Fruits: Berries, tropical fruits
• Vegetables: Mixed vegetables, broccoli florets, spinach
• Meat: Chicken breasts, ground beef, salmon filets
• Prepared meals: Pizza, lasagna, chicken nuggets
• Breakfast essentials: Waffles, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches

Prepared foods

Prepared foods can be a timesaver for busy folks, and Costco offers a variety of options to incorporate into your meal plan for the week. From rotisserie chicken and deli meats to precooked meats and side dishes, you can find a range of Costco ready-made meals to simplify your planning. Here are a few prepared foods to include on your Costco grocery list.

• Rotisserie chicken: A versatile protein for salads and sandwiches
• Precooked meats: Grilled chicken, meatballs, sausages
• Deli meats: Ham, turkey, roast beef
• Side dishes: Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, rice
• Snacks: Hummus, salsa, protein bars, trail mix

How to make prepared foods go further

You can portion Costco’s prepared meals into several servings to simplify your weekly meal prep. By dividing dishes into smaller containers, you can mix and match sides to build balanced lunches and dinners throughout the week. Here are the best Costco meals for stretching your dollar. 

• Large baked lasagna or mac and cheese: One of the best Costco family meals, simply divide leftovers into meal-size containers and pair with pre-steamed frozen broccoli or a fresh bagged side salad for a complete meal.

• Deli or frozen meatballs: Use these for meatball subs or sliders on small rolls, serve over pasta for spaghetti and meatballs or repurpose into Swedish-style meatball bowls with rice or mashed potatoes.

• Chicken or pork street taco kits: Enjoy as tacos, then use leftover meat in quesadillas or combine with rice and beans for burrito bowls.

• Large tub of chicken salad: Turn chicken salad into several lunch options like wraps or sandwiches, serve over mixed greens or pair with cut vegetables and crackers for a quick meal.

• Rotisserie chicken: Shred and portion for salads, grain bowls, or sandwiches. Use the remaining meat for quick soups or tacos to stretch the meal even further.

• Prepared mashed potatoes: Portion into small containers and pair with frozen vegetables and precooked meats for easy lunches. You can also spread a layer of veggies and protein in a baking dish, top with leftover mashed potatoes and bake for individual shepherd’s pie servings.

Costco meal prep ideas

Costco offers a wide variety of ingredients to fuel your weekly meal prep. But with such a large selection of items, feeling overwhelmed is not uncommon. Whether you’re a seasoned meal prepper or just starting out, here are a few Costco meal prep ideas and Costco meal ideas to inspire you.

Protein-packed meals:

• Grilled chicken salad: Toss grilled chicken with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and a vinaigrette dressing. Prep time takes about 10 minutes if you use precooked chicken.

• Salmon with roasted vegetables: Season salmon filets and bake them with your favorite vegetables, like asparagus, Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes. The salmon and vegetables typically cook in 20-25 minutes.

• Lentil soup: For a hearty and nutritious vegetarian meal, cook lentils with vegetables, broth and spices. This soup usually finishes simmering in about 35 minutes.

• Turkey meatball bowls: Warm frozen meatballs and serve over rice with roasted vegetables and your favorite sauce. You can have this bowl assembled and ready in roughly 15 minutes.

• Shrimp stir-fry: Sauté shrimp with frozen stir-fry vegetables and serve over rice or quinoa. The shrimp and vegetables cook quickly, taking just 12-15 minutes from start to finish.

Healthy salads:

• Quinoa salad: Combine cooked quinoa with chopped vegetables, feta cheese and a lemon-dill dressing. You can prepare this salad in just 15 minutes.

• Mediterranean or Greek salad: Toss mixed greens with cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, olives and a Greek dressing. It comes together in about 10 minutes.

• Chicken Caesar salad: Shred rotisserie chicken and toss with romaine lettuce, croutons and a creamy Caesar dressing. You can assemble the salad in about five to seven minutes.

• Kale and berry salad: Use Costco’s bagged kale mix and top with berries, sliced almonds and a light vinaigrette. This dish takes only about five minutes to prepare.

• Southwest chicken salad: Combine shredded chicken with canned corn, black beans, romaine and a lime dressing. The full salad can be assembled in around 10 minutes.

Easy and convenient meals:

• Leftover night meals: Reheat leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled salmon with your favorite sides. This is a fast option that’s ready to eat in five to 10 minutes.

• Frozen pizza: This is a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner. Most frozen pizzas bake in about 20-25 minutes.

• Chicken pot pie: Assemble a chicken pot pie using frozen puff pastry, chicken, vegetables and gravy. Once prepped, the pot pie typically bakes into a hearty meal in about 40 minutes.

• Sheet pan sausage dinner: Roast sliced sausage with potatoes and vegetables for a no-fuss dinner. Everything cooks on one pan in about 30 minutes.

• Veggie fried rice: Use frozen vegetables and precooked rice to make a quick skillet meal. Add eggs or tofu for extra protein. This dish usually takes about 15 minutes to prepare.

Quick breakfast options:

• Breakfast burritos: Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese and your favorite fillings like sausage, bacon or vegetables. These burritos can be prepared and ready to eat in 15-20 minutes.

• Overnight oats: Combine oats, milk and toppings like fruit, types of nuts or seeds for a grab-and-go breakfast. The mixture takes about five minutes to assemble before resting overnight in the fridge.

• Smoothies: Blend fruits, vegetables, yogurt and protein powder for a nutritious and refreshing drink. You can assemble and blend most smoothies in about five to seven minutes.

• Egg muffin cups: Whisk eggs with chopped vegetables and bake in muffin tins for a portable breakfast. These cups require five to 10 minutes of prep time followed by a 20-minute bake.

• Greek yogurt parfaits: Layer yogurt with berries and oats or granola for a simple morning meal. Each parfait can be assembled in roughly five minutes.

Benefits of Costco for meal prepping

Costco is a great resource for meal prepping due to its wide selection of high-quality ingredients. From fresh produce and lean proteins to pantry staples, Costco has everything you need to meal prep for the week. Let’s break down some of the benefits of using Costco for meal prep.

• Cost-effectiveness: Buying some products in bulk at Costco can reduce food costs, especially for frequently used ingredients.
• Variety of options: Costco carries a wide range of products, from fresh vegetables to frozen foods and prepared meals.
• Quality ingredients: Costco often sources high-quality products, ensuring you have access to fresh and nutritious ingredients.
• Convenience: Costco's one-stop shop format lets you purchase all your meal prep essentials in a single trip.

Meal prep tips and tricks

Meal prepping doesn’t have to be confusing or time-consuming. With a little planning and organization, you can create balanced meals to fuel you throughout the week. Here are some meal prep tips and tricks to consider.

Planning and organization tips:

• Create a weekly meal plan: This will help you determine which ingredients and quantities you need.
• Make a grocery list: Organize your list by category to make your shopping trip more efficient.
• Batch cooking: Cook large quantities of ingredients in advance to save time during the week.

Storage and preservation tips:

• Use proper food storage containers: Choose airtight containers to keep food fresh and prevent freezer burn.
• Label and date meals: This will help you track expiration dates and avoid food waste.
• Freeze meals in individual portions: This makes it easier to reheat and eat throughout the week.

Tips for meal prep success:

• Shop smart: Look for sales and discounts at Costco to save money.
• Utilize leftovers: Incorporate leftovers into your meal prep plans to reduce food waste.
• Don't be afraid to experiment: Try new recipes and ingredients to keep your meals interesting.
• Stay organized: Keep your kitchen clean and organized to make meal prep easier.
• Consider component prepping: Cook chicken, chop vegetables and make a batch of rice so you can mix and match components for different meals throughout the week.

How to use Instacart for Costco meal prep

Instacart is a convenient online grocery delivery service that allows you to shop at Costco without leaving your home. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Instacart for Costco meal prepping:

1. Create an Instacart account: Visit the Instacart website or download the app to sign up for your free account. 
2. Enter your delivery address: Input your address to see if Instacart services your area.
3. Select Costco as your store: Search for "Costco" in the store search bar and select the nearest Costco store location.
4. Browse and add items: Explore the various product categories available at Costco and add them to your virtual shopping cart.
5. Check out: Proceed to checkout when you've finished adding items. Review your order and apply any applicable discounts or promotions. Choose a delivery time and select your preferred payment method.
6. Track your order: You'll receive a confirmation email with your order details. Use the Instacart app to track the progress of your order.
7. Receive your groceries: Your Instacart shopper will deliver your groceries to your doorstep at the scheduled time.

Place your Costco order through Instacart

Now that you’re more familiar with Costco meal prep, you’re ready to plan your meals. Remember to stock up on grains, pasta and pantry staples to build a solid foundation for the week. Mixing proteins with fresh produce is an easy way to keep meals interesting while staying balanced. Costco carries everything you need, from fresh ingredients to frozen and prepared foods that help cut down on prep time.

Ready to get started? Conveniently shop at Costco from the comfort of your home to save even more time. Place your Costco order through Instacart today and start meal prepping like a pro!