Costco weeknight dinners under $5 a serving

Finding affordable and delicious dinner options can be a challenge, but Costco makes weeknights so much easier. Below are ten quick dinner ideas built from Costco staples—each designed to land under $5 per serving when you shop smart (think Kirkland Signature, bulk buys, and freezer/pantry MVPs). Mix, match, and stretch leftovers all week.

Rotisserie Chicken Tacos

Shred Costco’s famous rotisserie chicken and warm in a skillet with a spoonful of salsa, a pinch of chili powder, and a splash of broth to keep it juicy. Pile into tortillas and top with lettuce, cheese, and pico.Stretch it: Use drumsticks/thighs for tacos tonight and reserve breast meat for salads or soup tomorrow. Add canned black beans or frozen corn to bulk it up without bumping the cost.

Kirkland Signature Italian Sausage Pasta

Sauté sliced Kirkland Signature Italian sausage with onions and bell peppers; splash with marinara and a little pasta water, then toss with cooked penne.Make it go further: Stir in a handful of spinach or zucchini. One link per person is generous—halve the links and add extra veg to keep portions hearty and budget-friendly.

Frozen Shrimp Stir-Fry

Keep a bag of Kirkland frozen shrimp and a stir-fry veggie blend on hand. Sear shrimp, toss in veggies, and finish with teriyaki or a quick mix of soy sauce, honey, and garlic. Serve over rice from the big 25-lb bag.Tip: Pat shrimp dry and cook in batches for a better sear. Leftover rice? Turn it into fried rice tomorrow.

Organic Ground Beef Sloppy Joes

Brown Costco organic ground beef with onion and bell pepper; stir in tomato sauce, a touch of ketchup, mustard, and a little brown sugar. Spoon onto bakery buns.Budget booster: Swap in half lentils, half beef for the filling. Serve with a bagged salad or baby carrots to keep the plate balanced.

Pre-Made Quiche with Salad

Heat a Costco pre-made quiche (Lorraine or spinach & artichoke) and toss a spring mix with Kirkland Extra Virgin Olive Oil, lemon, and Parmesan.Time-saver: One quiche plus a family salad kit easily feeds four—great on nights you don’t want to cook but still want “real dinner.”

Kirkland Signature Cheese Pizza Night

Start with a Kirkland cheese pizza and doctor it up: add pepperoni, extra mozzarella, or sliced veggies from a party tray. Bake until bubbly; serve with a Caesar salad kit.Pro move: Brush crust with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder for a pizzeria finish. Two pies feed a crowd for less than takeout.

Chicken Alfredo Penne

Combine pre-cooked chicken strips with jarred Alfredo and hot penne; thin with a splash of pasta water. Fold in steamed broccoli or peas for color and fiber.Lighter tweak: Cut Alfredo with a little chicken broth and Greek yogurt for a creamy feel with fewer calories.

Vegetable & Cheese Ravioli

Boil Costco’s veggie & cheese ravioli and toss with garlic-butter (or marinara) and grated Parmesan. Add a handful of arugula to wilt in the residual heat.Upgrade: Finish with lemon zest and crushed red pepper. Serve with roasted broccoli for a 20-minute dinner.

Baked Salmon with Quinoa

Season frozen salmon fillets with olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper; bake until flaky. Serve over Costco quinoa (cook in chicken broth for extra flavor) with a side of frozen green beans sautéed in garlic.Budget tip: Buy salmon in bulk and portion/freezer-wrap. Quinoa stretches nicely—cook extra for tomorrow’s bowls.

Lentil Soup and Artisan Bread

Heat Costco’s prepared lentil soup or simmer your own from the dry bulk bag with onion, carrot, celery, and diced tomatoes. Serve with warmed artisan bread and a swipe of butter.Round it out: Add a quick side salad and finish bowls with a drizzle of Kirkland EVOO and Parmesan for a bistro touch.