I’m a single mom who likes to keep cooking simple. I always buy these Costco items for effortless meals.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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This story was originally published on July 21, 2025, and most recently updated on November 10, 2025.