October is a fantastic month for many reasons: the changing leaves, cooler weather, Halloween festivities, and of course, the amazing deals to be found at Costco! This wholesale giant offers incredible savings on a wide range of products, making it the perfect place to stock up for fall gatherings, holiday preparations, and everyday meals. This article will explore the best Costco deals available in October and provide delicious, budget-friendly recipes you can create using those discounted items. We’ll focus on maximizing savings while creating satisfying and flavorful dishes.
**Why Shop at Costco in October?**
October often brings a surge of promotional offers at Costco as they gear up for the holiday season. You can expect to find discounts on pantry staples, frozen foods, meats, cheeses, and even seasonal items like pumpkin spice everything. Taking advantage of these deals can significantly reduce your grocery bill and allow you to create restaurant-quality meals at home for a fraction of the price. Furthermore, buying in bulk (a Costco specialty) is usually much more economical than purchasing smaller quantities at traditional grocery stores. Finally, October is often a slower month than November and December, meaning less crowded stores and easier access to the best deals.
**Must-Have Costco Items for October Cooking**
Before we dive into specific recipes, let’s highlight some key items that are typically on sale or offer great value at Costco in October. Keep an eye out for these deals:
* **Kirkland Signature Olive Oil:** A staple for any kitchen, Costco’s olive oil is high-quality and available in large quantities at a competitive price. It’s perfect for sautéing, roasting, and dressing salads.
* **Kirkland Signature Chicken:** Whether you opt for the whole rotisserie chicken or individually packaged chicken breasts, Costco’s chicken is a versatile and affordable protein source. The rotisserie chicken is legendary for its flavor and convenience, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
* **Kirkland Signature Ground Beef:** Ground beef is another versatile ingredient that can be used in countless recipes. Costco’s ground beef is typically lean and available in bulk, making it ideal for meal prepping.
* **Cheese Variety Packs:** Costco offers a wide variety of cheese packs, often including cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, and other popular cheeses. These packs are perfect for making pizzas, sandwiches, and casseroles.
* **Frozen Vegetables:** Frozen vegetables are a convenient and nutritious way to add vegetables to your diet. Costco offers large bags of frozen broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and more at unbeatable prices.
* **Kirkland Signature Nuts:** Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and other nuts are a healthy and satisfying snack. Costco’s nut selection is vast and their prices are typically lower than those found at other stores.
* **Pasta:** Costco usually stocks large packages of pasta (spaghetti, penne, rotini, etc) at low prices. This is a great way to stock your pantry for quick and easy meals.
* **Canned Tomatoes:** Diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce are essential ingredients for many Italian and Mexican dishes. Costco’s canned tomatoes are typically high-quality and inexpensive.
* **Eggs:** Costco’s egg prices are hard to beat, making them an excellent choice for baking, breakfast, and other egg-based dishes.
* **Seasonal Items (Pumpkin, Apples, etc.):** Keep an eye out for seasonal produce like pumpkins, apples, and squash, which are often available at discounted prices in October.
**Recipes Using Costco’s October Deals**
Now, let’s explore some delicious and budget-friendly recipes that you can create using these Costco deals:
**1. Rotisserie Chicken Tacos with Chipotle Crema**
This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Rotisserie Chicken, shredded
* 1 package Costco Corn Tortillas
* 1 container Costco Sour Cream
* 1 can Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
* 1 lime
* 1 avocado, diced (optional)
* 1 red onion, diced (optional)
* Cilantro, chopped (optional)
* Shredded cheese (optional), from Costco cheese variety packs
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chipotle Crema:** In a blender or food processor, combine the sour cream, 1-2 chipotle peppers (depending on your spice preference), and the juice of half a lime. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a tablespoon or two of water if needed to thin the crema.
2. **Warm the Tortillas:** Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
3. **Assemble the Tacos:** Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken, diced avocado, red onion, cilantro, and shredded cheese (if using). Drizzle with chipotle crema.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Costco Savings:** The rotisserie chicken and sour cream offer significant savings compared to buying smaller quantities elsewhere. Using items like shredded cheese from the Costco cheese variety packs enhances the value.
**2. Ground Beef Chili**
Chili is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a chilly October evening. This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 lbs Costco Ground Beef
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bell pepper, chopped
* 2 cans (28 oz) Costco Diced Tomatoes
* 1 can (15 oz) Costco Tomato Sauce
* 1 can (15 oz) Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 packet Chili Seasoning
* 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Kirkland Signature)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Shredded cheese (optional), from Costco cheese variety packs
* Sour cream (optional), from Costco
**Instructions:**
1. **Brown the Ground Beef:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Add the Remaining Ingredients:** Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, chili seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
4. **Serve:** Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese and sour cream, if desired.
**Costco Savings:** Buying ground beef, canned tomatoes, and beans in bulk at Costco saves you money compared to buying individual cans or smaller packages.
**3. Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce**
Baked ziti is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb Ziti Pasta (Costco)
* 1.5 lbs Costco Ground Beef
* 1 jar (45 oz) Marinara Sauce
* 1 container (15 oz) Costco Ricotta Cheese
* 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Costco cheese variety packs)
* 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Costco)
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Kirkland Signature)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Meat Sauce:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
3. **Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:** In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese. Mix well.
4. **Assemble the Ziti:** In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture. Stir well to combine.
5. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and remaining parmesan cheese over the top.
6. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Serve:** Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
**Costco Savings:** Buying the pasta, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and ground beef in bulk at Costco significantly reduces the cost of this dish.
**4. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas**
This recipe is a quick and easy way to make delicious fajitas. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal and requires minimal cleanup.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 lbs Costco Chicken Breasts, sliced into strips
* 2 bell peppers (different colors), sliced
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 1 packet Fajita Seasoning
* 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Kirkland Signature)
* Costco Flour Tortillas
* Toppings: Sour cream (Costco), salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese (Costco cheese variety packs)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken breasts, bell peppers, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
2. **Bake:** Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
3. **Warm the Tortillas:** Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
4. **Assemble the Fajitas:** Fill each tortilla with the cooked chicken and vegetables. Top with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese, if desired.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Costco Savings:** Purchasing chicken breasts in bulk from Costco and the additional toppings such as cheese and sour cream results in significant cost savings.
**5. Broccoli Cheddar Soup**
A warm and comforting soup perfect for a chilly October day. This recipe is creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutrients.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups Costco Frozen Broccoli Florets
* 4 cups Chicken Broth
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Costco cheese variety packs)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté Vegetables:** In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. **Make a Roux:** Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. **Add Broth and Milk:** Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
4. **Add Broccoli:** Add the frozen broccoli florets and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
5. **Melt Cheese:** Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Serve:** Serve hot.
**Costco Savings:** Frozen broccoli and the bulk cheese packs bought from Costco help to save money on ingredients.
**6. Apple Crisp**
A classic fall dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for using up those discounted apples you find at Costco.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Costco Apples)
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup rolled oats
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1/2 cup butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Apple Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat evenly.
2. **Prepare the Crumble Topping:** In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.
3. **Assemble the Crisp:** Spread the apple filling in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
4. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
5. **Serve:** Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
**Costco Savings:** Bulk buying of apples from Costco and using other Costco staples for the topping will ensure cost efficiency.
**7. Chicken and Vegetable Skewers**
These skewers are a healthy and flavorful option for a BBQ or a simple dinner. You can easily customize them with your favorite vegetables.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 lbs Costco Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 yellow squash, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1/4 cup Olive Oil (Kirkland Signature)
* 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
* 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator.
2. **Assemble the Skewers:** Thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between the chicken and different vegetables.
3. **Grill or Bake:**
* **Grill:** Grill the skewers over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, turning occasionally.
* **Bake:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
4. **Serve:** Serve the skewers hot, with rice or a side salad.
**Costco Savings:** Purchasing chicken breasts and a big bag of mixed veggies is very affordable in costco, helping reduce the cost of the overall recipe.
**8. Mini Quiches**
These mini quiches are a perfect appetizer or brunch item. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite fillings.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
* 8 large eggs (Costco)
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Costco cheese variety packs), such as cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere
* 1/2 cup cooked bacon or ham, crumbled
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pie Crusts:** Unroll the pie crusts and use a 2-inch cookie cutter to cut out circles. Press the circles into mini muffin tins.
2. **Prepare the Egg Mixture:** In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
3. **Fill the Quiches:** Sprinkle the shredded cheese, bacon or ham, and green onions into the pie crust-lined muffin tins. Pour the egg mixture over the fillings.
4. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the quiches are set and golden brown.
5. **Serve:** Let cool slightly before serving.
**Costco Savings:** The use of Costco bulk eggs, cheese from the variety packs and pie crusts helps save a lot of money, instead of buying these items from a regular grocery store.
**9. Chicken Pot Pie**
Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a chilly October evening. This recipe uses Costco’s rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Rotisserie Chicken, shredded
* 1 package (14.1 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (Costco)
* 1 bag (12 oz) frozen mixed vegetables (Costco)
* 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).**
2. **Prepare the filling:** In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper.
3. **Assemble the pie:** Line a 9-inch pie plate with one of the pie crusts. Pour the chicken mixture into the pie crust.
4. **Top with the second pie crust:** Cover the pie with the second pie crust and crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. **Let cool:** Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
**Costco Savings:** Costco’s rotisserie chicken and pie crusts offer tremendous savings compared to purchasing individual ingredients and smaller portions elsewhere.
**10. Pumpkin Pancakes**
Perfect for a weekend brunch, these pumpkin pancakes capture the essence of fall with delicious pumpkin flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
* 2 large eggs (Costco)
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
* 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine dry ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. **Combine wet ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice.
3. **Combine wet and dry ingredients:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. **Cook the pancakes:** Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
5. **Cook until golden brown:** Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately with maple syrup, whipped cream, or your favorite toppings.
**Costco Savings:** Buying eggs from Costco will help save some money, compared to buying from regular grocery stores.
**Tips for maximizing your Costco savings in October:**
* **Check the Costco coupon book:** Costco releases monthly coupon books with significant savings on various items. Be sure to check the latest coupon book before you shop.
* **Look for instant savings:** In addition to the coupon book, Costco often offers instant savings on specific items. These savings are automatically applied at checkout.
* **Shop early in the month:** Popular items tend to sell out quickly, so shop early in the month to ensure you can find the deals you’re looking for.
* **Compare prices:** While Costco generally offers excellent value, it’s always a good idea to compare prices with other stores to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
* **Consider a Costco Executive Membership:** If you shop at Costco frequently, consider upgrading to an Executive Membership. This membership offers 2% cash back on qualifying purchases, which can easily offset the cost of the membership.
* **Plan your meals in advance:** By planning your meals in advance, you can create a shopping list and avoid impulse purchases. This will help you stay within your budget and make the most of your Costco deals.
* **Freeze leftovers:** Don’t let any food go to waste! Freeze leftovers for future meals. This is especially important when buying in bulk.
**Conclusion:**
October is a great time to take advantage of the incredible deals at Costco. By stocking up on pantry staples, frozen foods, and seasonal items, you can create delicious and budget-friendly meals for your family. Use the recipes and tips in this article to maximize your savings and make the most of your Costco membership. Happy cooking!