Costco’s Best Deals Under $15 in February: Delicious & Budget-Friendly Recipes
February is a month of love, but it’s also a month that can put a strain on your wallet after the holiday season. Luckily, Costco consistently offers amazing deals, and this February is no exception. By strategically shopping at Costco and focusing on items under $15, you can create delicious and satisfying meals without breaking the bank. This article explores some of the best Costco deals under $15 this month and provides detailed recipes to help you maximize your savings and enjoy delicious home-cooked food.
## Why Costco for Budget-Friendly Cooking?
Costco’s bulk buying model provides significant savings compared to traditional grocery stores. While the upfront membership fee might seem daunting, the long-term savings on everyday items, especially when used strategically, can easily outweigh the cost. This February, focusing on deals under $15 allows you to stock up on essential ingredients without overspending. Many of these items, like canned goods, dry pasta, and frozen vegetables, have a long shelf life, ensuring that you can use them for multiple meals over several weeks.
## Top Costco Deals Under $15 (February Selection – Subject to Change)
**Disclaimer:** *Prices and availability may vary depending on your location. Always check your local Costco for the most up-to-date information.*
Here’s a list of items that are often available at Costco for under $15 and can be used in our featured recipes:
* **Kirkland Signature Marinara Sauce (Large Jars):** A versatile pantry staple for pasta dishes, pizzas, and more.
* **Kirkland Signature Canned Diced Tomatoes:** Perfect for soups, stews, and chili.
* **Kirkland Signature Olive Oil (Certain Sizes):** Essential for cooking and salad dressings.
* **Dried Pasta (Spaghetti, Penne, Rotini):** A filling and affordable base for many meals.
* **Canned Beans (Black Beans, Kidney Beans, Garbanzo Beans):** A great source of protein and fiber for soups, salads, and dips.
* **Frozen Vegetables (Broccoli, Spinach, Mixed Vegetables):** Convenient and nutritious for quick meals.
* **Eggs (Large Dozen):** A versatile and affordable protein source.
* **Chicken Thighs (Bulk Pack):** Often available at a low price per pound and great for various recipes.
* **Ground Beef (Bulk Pack):** Can be divided and frozen for future use, offering excellent value.
* **Kirkland Signature Tortilla Chips:** Perfect for nachos, dips, or a side with soups.
* **Rotisserie Chicken:** While slightly above $15 in some locations, it provides a huge amount of cooked chicken for multiple meals.
* **Onions (Large Bag):** An essential ingredient for countless recipes.
* **Potatoes (Large Bag):** Versatile and filling for side dishes or main courses.
* **Carrots (Large Bag):** Healthy and affordable for snacks and cooking.
* **Bananas (Bunch):** A healthy and portable snack.
* **Rolled Oats (Large Bag):** Great for breakfasts and baking.
* **Parmesan Cheese (Wedge):** Adds flavor to pasta dishes and other recipes.
## Budget-Friendly Recipes Using Costco Deals
Here are some delicious and easy recipes that utilize Costco’s affordable offerings. These recipes are designed to be budget-friendly, utilizing many of the under-$15 items listed above. We will breakdown the cost for each dish and you’ll find tips on how to adjust portions to fit your needs.
### 1. Hearty Marinara Pasta with Chicken Thighs
**Estimated Cost (Using Costco Ingredients):** Under $10 (depending on chicken thigh price)
**Ingredients:**
* 1 lb Dried Pasta (Spaghetti or Penne)
* 1 Jar Kirkland Signature Marinara Sauce
* 1 lb Chicken Thighs, boneless, skinless
* 1 Onion, chopped
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 2 tbsp Olive Oil
* 1 tsp Dried Oregano
* 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). You can also add a bit of garlic powder for extra flavor.
2. **Sauté the Aromatics:** Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Sear the Chicken:** Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pot and sear on both sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step adds flavor and helps to lock in moisture.
4. **Simmer in Marinara:** Pour in the Kirkland Signature Marinara Sauce, stir well to coat the chicken. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. **Cook the Pasta:** While the chicken is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta well.
6. **Combine and Serve:** Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the chicken and marinara sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
**Cost Breakdown (Approximate):**
* Pasta: $1.50
* Marinara Sauce: $3.00
* Chicken Thighs: $5.00 (depending on price per pound)
* Onion & Garlic: $0.50
* Olive Oil & Spices: Minimal (pantry staples)
**Tips for Saving Money:**
* Use frozen vegetables like spinach or mixed vegetables for added nutrients and to stretch the meal further.
* Substitute ground turkey for chicken thighs if it’s on sale.
* Make your own garlic bread using a baguette and garlic powder.
### 2. Black Bean Burgers on a Budget
**Estimated Cost (Using Costco Ingredients):** Under $8
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cans Black Beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 cup Rolled Oats
* 1/2 Onion, chopped
* 1 clove Garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup Kirkland Signature Tortilla Chips, crushed
* 1 tbsp Chili Powder
* 1 tsp Cumin
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* Burger Buns (optional, can use lettuce wraps)
* Toppings: Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Avocado (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Black Bean Mixture:** In a large bowl, mash the drained and rinsed black beans with a fork or potato masher. Leave some beans slightly whole for texture.
2. **Add Flavor and Binding Agents:** Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tortilla chips, rolled oats, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the mashed black beans. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
3. **Form the Patties:** Shape the mixture into burger patties, about 1/2 inch thick. If the mixture is too wet, add more crushed tortilla chips or rolled oats.
4. **Cook the Burgers:** Heat a lightly oiled skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the black bean burgers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly browned. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
5. **Serve:** Serve the black bean burgers on burger buns or lettuce wraps. Top with your favorite burger toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and avocado.
**Cost Breakdown (Approximate):**
* Black Beans: $2.00
* Rolled Oats: $1.00
* Onion & Garlic: $0.50
* Tortilla Chips: $2.00 (using a portion of a larger bag)
* Spices: Minimal (pantry staples)
* Buns/Toppings: Variable, can be kept minimal or skipped
**Tips for Saving Money:**
* Skip the buns and serve the burgers on lettuce wraps for a healthier and cheaper option.
* Use homemade guacamole instead of store-bought avocado.
* Add leftover cooked rice or quinoa to the burger mixture for extra bulk.
### 3. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
**Estimated Cost (Using Costco Ingredients):** Under $7
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Jar Kirkland Signature Marinara Sauce
* 4 cups Water or Vegetable Broth (if available)
* 1/2 cup Heavy Cream or Milk (optional)
* 1 tsp Dried Basil
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* Bread (for grilled cheese croutons)
* Cheese (Parmesan or Cheddar, for grilled cheese)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Soup Base:** In a large pot, combine the Kirkland Signature Marinara Sauce with water or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
2. **Add Flavor:** Add dried basil, salt, and pepper to the soup. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. **Make Grilled Cheese Croutons:** While the soup is simmering, prepare the grilled cheese croutons. Cut bread into cubes. Make small grilled cheese sandwiches using the bread cubes and cheese. Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into smaller crouton-sized pieces.
4. **Creamy Option:** If desired, stir in heavy cream or milk to make the soup creamier. Heat through gently.
5. **Serve:** Ladle the tomato soup into bowls and top with the grilled cheese croutons. Serve immediately.
**Cost Breakdown (Approximate):**
* Marinara Sauce: $3.00
* Bread & Cheese: $3.00
* Spices: Minimal (pantry staples)
* Cream/Milk (Optional): $1.00 (if added)
**Tips for Saving Money:**
* Use leftover bread for the grilled cheese croutons to reduce waste.
* Skip the heavy cream or milk for a lighter and cheaper soup.
* Add a can of drained and rinsed white beans to the soup for added protein and fiber.
### 4. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
**Estimated Cost (Using Costco Ingredients):** Under $12
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs Chicken Thighs, sliced into strips
* 1 Large Onion, sliced
* 2 Bell Peppers (any color), sliced
* 2 tbsp Olive Oil
* 1 packet Fajita Seasoning
* Kirkland Signature Tortillas
* Toppings: Sour Cream, Salsa, Guacamole (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken thighs, sliced onion, and sliced bell peppers.
2. **Season:** Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
3. **Bake:** Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. **Warm the Tortillas:** While the fajitas are baking, warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can warm them in a dry skillet or in the microwave.
5. **Assemble and Serve:** Serve the chicken fajitas in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
**Cost Breakdown (Approximate):**
* Chicken Thighs: $6.00 (depending on price per pound)
* Onion & Bell Peppers: $3.00
* Tortillas: $3.00
* Olive Oil & Fajita Seasoning: Minimal (pantry staples)
**Tips for Saving Money:**
* Use frozen bell peppers instead of fresh ones.
* Make your own fajita seasoning using chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
* Serve with a side of rice and beans to make the meal more filling.
### 5. Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts
**Estimated Cost (Using Costco Ingredients):** Under $5 (for multiple servings)
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup Rolled Oats
* 2 cups Water or Milk
* Bananas (sliced)
* Other Fruit (berries, apples, etc. – optional)
* Nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc. – optional)
* Honey or Maple Syrup (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Oats and Liquid:** In a saucepan, combine the rolled oats with water or milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the oats are cooked through and have reached your desired consistency.
2. **Add Toppings:** Transfer the oatmeal to a bowl and top with sliced bananas, other fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup (if desired).
3. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
**Cost Breakdown (Approximate, per serving):**
* Rolled Oats: $0.25
* Bananas: $0.50
* Other Fruit & Nuts (Optional): $1.00
* Milk/Water: Minimal
**Tips for Saving Money:**
* Use water instead of milk to reduce the cost.
* Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for flavor instead of honey or maple syrup.
* Buy seasonal fruit when it’s on sale.
## Maximizing Your Costco Membership for Budget Cooking
* **Plan Your Meals:** Before heading to Costco, plan your meals for the week. This will help you create a shopping list and avoid impulse purchases.
* **Check for Sales and Coupons:** Costco regularly offers sales and coupons on various items. Check the Costco website or app before your trip to see what’s on sale.
* **Buy in Bulk and Freeze:** Take advantage of Costco’s bulk buying model by purchasing items that you use frequently and freezing any excess. This will help you save money and reduce food waste.
* **Share with Friends or Family:** If you’re buying a large quantity of something that you can’t use on your own, consider sharing it with friends or family to split the cost.
* **Utilize Costco’s Return Policy:** If you’re not satisfied with a product, Costco has a generous return policy. Don’t hesitate to return items that you don’t like or can’t use.
## Conclusion
Shopping at Costco strategically, focusing on deals under $15, and utilizing budget-friendly recipes can significantly reduce your grocery bill this February. By planning your meals, checking for sales, and buying in bulk, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying home-cooked meals without breaking the bank. These recipes are just a starting point; feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own budget-friendly Costco masterpieces. Remember to always check prices and availability at your local Costco, as they can vary. Happy cooking, and happy saving!