Empty Fridge Blues? Costco’s Got Your Back
We have all been there with the scenario of standing in front of an empty fridge, praying for inspiration to strike with your growling belly. Takeout is too costly, cooking is too draining, and buying for one serving usually produces more leftovers than diners. For a sole diner or busy household, mealtimes can soon become tense rather than pleasant.
That’s where Costco saves the day. Yes, it’s renowned for bulk buying, but if you shop wisely, it’s full of treats ideal for little families. The trick is to select versatile, portion-sized goods that can be re-cycled at meals, frozen for another time, or re-shaped into something new with a couple of small adjustments.
This list considers 12 of Costco’s top choices for solo diners, couples, or anyone interested in quick, reliable, and tasty food with minimal waste. From fresh taco kits to freeze-appropriate ravioli, these options show that you don’t need to be a large family to get the most out of a Costco trip you just need the right choices.
1. Street Taco Kit: Party in a Box
The Street Taco Kit is a meal waiting to happen. With seasoned chicken, tortillas, slaw, and salsa pre-packaged separately, you’ve got your own taco stand at home. All fresh and delicious, and portioned out so that you get a little today and save some for tomorrow.
One of the worst things about this kit is that it is so unforgiving. Hate tacos? Use chicken in a rice bowl, quesadilla, or throw it on a salad. Since all the ingredients are single-serve, you can use as much or as little as you prefer without having to endure soggy leftovers.
- Cooked chicken is great to freeze for solo diners.
- Portion out and wrap up tightly for easy use.
- Grab only what you require for immediate meals or snacking.
- Extends one kit into several meals with little wastage.
Beef tacos
Equipment
- 1 Large Frying Pan
- 1 Spatula or wooden spoon
- 1 Measuring Spoons
- 1 Measuring Jug
Ingredients
Main
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil
- 500 g beef mince
- 300 ml beef stock
Instructions
- Heat sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the beef mince to the hot pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
- Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan for a cleaner finish.
- Pour in the beef stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and incorporate any flavorful browned bits.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and the flavors to concentrate.
- Season the beef generously with salt, black pepper, and your preferred taco seasoning or spices (e.g., cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano) to taste. Continue to simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed, leaving a moist but not watery filling.
- Remove the pan from the heat.
- Serve the hot beef mince immediately in warmed taco shells or tortillas with your desired toppings.
Notes
2. Kirkland Signature Pesto: Green Gold
Pesto is a luxury, but Costco’s humongous jar of Kirkland Signature Pesto is a sheer must-have. It’s thick, garlicky, and turns even bland pasta into a gourmet meal. A spoonful can immediately bestow a zing of flavor on roasted vegetables, chicken, or sandwiches.
The secret to keeping a jar is portioning. Freeze pesto in an ice cube tray, and then store the cubes in a freezer bag. That way, you can scoop out one serving at a time when you want it, rather than trying to get through the jar before it spoils.
- Pesto is a miracle for eating separately.
- Translates that huge flavor into everyday, bland foods.
- Flexible enough to be paired with plenty of ingredients.
- Rises simple meals with minimal effort.
3. Sous Vide Egg Bites: Breakfast on the Go
When mornings are hectic and there’s not always the time to prepare a whole breakfast, Costco’s Sous Vide Egg Bites come to the rescue, delivering light, tasty eggs that reheats in one minute. Packed full of protein, they’re substantial enough to get you through the day without feeling heavy.
Their single-serve packaged form makes them perfect for one. Microwave only one and keep the others sealed and fresh. Serve with toast, fruit, or even roll one up in a breakfast sandwich for a second meal.
- Customize your own toppings for taste and variety.
- Special touches like hot sauce, herbs, or additional cheese set it apart.
- Personalization gives a home-cooked feel over pre-packaged food.
- Tweaks to a simple product make it a more fulfilling breakfast.
4. Salmon Milano: Effortless Elegance
Cooking fish at home can be intimidating, but Costco’s Salmon Milano makes it easy. The tray comes with seasoned fillets topped with basil pesto butter, ready to slide straight into the oven. In under half an hour, you’ve got a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant.
It’s cut individually per serving, so you’re preparing only what you will eat. Whatever is left can be stored in the freezer without reduction in quality, ideal for individuals who desire a gourmet meal without leftovers.
- Serve it with roasted vegetables or green salad to create balance.
- Less effort is required to prepare a whole, nutritious meal.
- Demonstrates that fine dining is not necessarily complicated to prepare.
- Captures nutrition, flavor, and simplicity into one meal.
5. Caesar Salad Kit: Crunch Without the Work
Few things are as satisfying as a crisp Caesar salad, and Costco’s kit makes it nearly effortless. Inside you’ll find romaine, Parmesan, croutons, and dressing, each packaged separately to keep everything fresh. It’s easy to assemble a portion whenever you’re hungry.
You can get it to last almost a week if you are clever about storing it. Store the lettuce dry, keep the dressing tight, and only open that which you will be eating that day. You thus escape the scourge of soggy salad syndrome.
- Salad kits can be topped with protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs.
- Turns a plain side salad into a filling, complete meal.
- Is an excellent dinner or lunch.
- Adds nutrition and variety with no additional cooking time.
6. Ravioli Lasagna: Comfort in Every Bite
Lasagna is the quintessential comfort food, but it’s a hassle to make from scratch. Costco’s Ravioli Lasagna brings all the cheesy, saucy comfort without the hassle. Just bake and serve it’s hearty, filling, and great for those cold winter nights.
The serving size of tray-sized may look daunting, but believe us, it’s a boon. Cut into portions, wrap securely, and freeze for later use. Reheat quickly, and instant comfort food is at your doorstep at the slightest craving.
- A burst of freshness and fragrance with added herbs upon reheating.
- A burst of heat with chili flakes adding thrill.
- Small modifications make leftovers seem new and thrilling.
- Removes meal boredom with varying flavors every time.
7. Chicken Street Soup: A Hug in a Bowl
Costco’s Chicken Street Soup is just quicker dinner than comfort food. With chicken, vegetables, and noodles packed in, it’s the sort of meal that feels home-cooked despite having been directly out of the refrigerator.
Soup can easily go to waste if you’re cooking for one, but portioning solves the problem. Freeze servings in small containers or even muffin tins, then reheat as needed. You’ll always have a warm, satisfying meal ready on cold or busy days.
- Fresh spinach adds colour, nutrition, and freshness.
- A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavours of the soup.
- Crusty bread makes the meal heartier and more satisfying.
- Small additions turn a plain soup into an entire meal.
8. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Balance in One Package
Stuffed bell peppers are a complete meal in one protein, veggies, and grains all contained in a colorful package. Costco’s version is pre-prepped and just needs to be heated up, which saves you the time and hassle of having to cook them from scratch.
For diners, they’re particularly handy. Sauté one or two peppers and freeze the rest. They reheat perfectly with no flavor or texture loss.
- An air fryer makes it faster and easier.
- Peppers turn out perfectly crunchy on the outside.
- The filling remains moist and flavorful inside.
- Delivers a meal that’s like freshly cooked in minutes.
Vegan Couscous Stuffed Bell Peppers
Equipment
- 1 Large Saucepan For cooking couscous.
- 1 Baking Dish Large enough to hold 6 bell pepper halves.
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef’s knife For dicing and chopping.
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For combining the couscous filling.
Ingredients
Main
- 1/2 cup couscous uncooked
- 1 cup water
- 6 whole bell peppers any color
- 2 red or yellow bell peppers diced
- 4 to 6 green onions scallions, sliced
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Halve the 6 whole bell peppers lengthwise, remove the seeds and membranes, and set them aside.
- In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Stir in the 1/2 cup of uncooked couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes until the water is absorbed and couscous is fluffy.
- Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the 2 diced red or yellow bell peppers, sliced green onions, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped fresh parsley to the couscous.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, then mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine the filling.
- Arrange the halved bell peppers in a baking dish. Spoon the couscous mixture evenly into each bell pepper half, mounding slightly if needed.
- Add a small amount of water (about 1/4 cup) to the bottom of the baking dish to create steam, which helps tenderize the peppers.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the couscous filling is heated through and slightly golden on top.
- Serve warm as a main dish or a hearty side.
Notes
9. Rotisserie Chicken: The Aisle Hero
Costco’s rotisserie chicken is the stuff of legend, and rightly so. A couple of dollars, but a gigantic time-saver that can serve as the basis for meals in the hundreds. Flavorfully juicy, full of taste, and ready to eat, it’s one of the store’s most universally handy options.
Begin by chopping what you will devour right away, and shred the remaining portion. Package the meat in individual bags so that you may pull some out to utilize in tacos, salads, or soups whenever desired. Nothing goes to waste and you always have protein at hand.
- Use the carcass instead of disposing of it.
- Braise with herbs and vegetables for richness.
- Creates a rich, homemade stock with great flavor.
- A meal that’s free but often forgotten.
10. Spinach and Cheese Ravioli: Pasta, Made Simple
Sometimes you just want pasta, and Costco’s spinach and cheese ravioli fits the bill. It heats up in a matter of minutes and contains soft pasta filled with gooey cheese. Add a jarred sauce or a drizzle of olive oil, and you have dinner.
The icing on the cake? You can heat as much as you like. No having to heat up a whole bag just use a small handful of ravioli, and you’ve got just the right amount for one.
- Mix with frozen pesto cubes for speedy flavour.
- Add fried veg for colour and freshness.
- Add Parmesan for a rich cheesy flavour.
- A speedy easy meal that brings meals alive.
Homemade Four Cheese Ravioli
Equipment
- 1 Pasta Machine (Alternatively, a rolling pin can be used)
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl For dough and filling preparation
- 1 Large Pot For boiling ravioli
- 1 Large Skillet For preparing the pesto-Alfredo sauce
- 1 Sharp Knife or Pizza Wheel For cutting ravioli
Ingredients
Main
- 2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan
- 1 large egg
- ¾ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- cold water for sealing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons prepared basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/3 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- To prepare ravioli dough: Mound flour on a work surface and form a well in the center. Add eggs, olive oil, and ½ teaspoon salt to the well and beat together with a fork. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Using a fork or your fingers, gradually mix egg mixture into flour, working from the center out and using your other hand to keep the flour mound steady until a thick paste forms. Using your hands, press in remaining flour until a shaggy dough forms. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Knead dough until smooth and elastic, 8 to 10 minutes. (Dough should have consistency of modeling clay and bounce back when poked). Wrap dough in plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- While dough is resting, prepare the ravioli filling: Stir ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, parmesan, egg, parsley, ¼ teaspoon salt, and pepper until well combined. Set the filling aside. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Divide dough into 4 even portions; wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Working with one portion at a time, flatten dough to about 1/32-inch thickness. Roll the dough through a pasta machine at the widest setting. Fold the dough in thirds (like a letter), then run it through the machine at the same setting, folded edge first. Repeat the folding and rolling once more. Continue rolling the pasta twice through each consecutively smaller setting until dough is thin enough for you to see the outline of your hand through it. (Alternatively, if you do not have a pasta machine, roll dough with a rolling pin on a lightly floured work surface until dough is thin enough to see the outline of your hand through it, about 1/32-inch thickness). Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Cut dough sheet in half crosswise. On one half of the dough sheet, drop teaspoonfuls of ravioli filling 1-inch apart. Using your fingertip or a pastry brush, lightly brush dough with water around filling. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Place second half of the dough sheet over the top and use your fingers to press around each portion of filling to press out any air and make the seal as airtight as possible. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Using a sharp knife or pizza wheel, cut between the mounds to form squares (about 2- to 2 ½-inches each). Transfer ravioli to a baking sheet lightly dusted with flour. Repeat rolling and shaping process with remaining 3 dough portions. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- To prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic and pesto sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream; increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted. Remove from the heat and keep warm. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Meanwhile, warm marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Working in batches, add ravioli and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the ravioli float to the top and the filling is hot, 4 to 6 minutes. Drain well. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- To serve, divide ravioli between four warmed serving bowls. Drizzle marinara sauce on top, followed by cream sauce. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Notes
11. Shrimp Cocktail: Instant Indulgence
Whenever you get the urge for a little sophistication, Costco shrimp cocktail is the ticket. It’s pre-cooked, chilled, and has snappy cocktail sauce to boot. No cooking necessary just open and serve.
The separated-out container maintains all freshness, so do not worry about needing to consume it all at once. A serving of shrimp is a delicate meal or fancy appetizer, and the remainder awaits at the ready to be savored later.
- Served with a glass of wine just so.
- Paired with a salad for freshness and counterpoint.
- Makes the house seem like a seafood restaurant.
- Gives the experience for a fraction of the price.
12. Prepared Quinoa Salad: Fresh and Filling
Costco’s quinoa salad is a bright, colorful mix of grains, vegetables, and a light dressing. It’s refreshing on its own but also works as a versatile base for other meals. Add chicken, avocado, or a boiled egg, and you’ve got a complete dish.
For single shoppers, portioning is once more the key. Have the salad in separate cups when you take it home, and then you can grab one readily without needing to open the whole package.
- That makes it last longer.
- Great as a meal-prep option.
- Can be made with mix-ins.
- Can serve as a side dish, main dish, or pita filler.
- Provides convenience and portability.
Closing Thoughts
Costco is not single central, but with a little vision, it’s a blessing. These 12 foods illustrate you can achieve variety, convenience, and even a treat without breaking the bank or throwing food away. From freezer-ready lasagna nights to classy salmon dinners, the warehouse inventory is packed with hacks that simplify life.
So next time your fridge is empty and takeout seems like the only choice, recall: one Costco excursion will prep you for days if not weeks of plain, comforting fare. It just requires savvy decisions and a willingness to see past the family-size moniker.
