Delicious Costco Deals Under $10: October Recipes to Save You Money
October is a fantastic month for many reasons – the changing leaves, cooler weather, and of course, delicious fall flavors. But for savvy shoppers, October also means leveraging fantastic Costco deals to create budget-friendly and incredibly tasty meals. This article focuses on how to use Costco’s October deals (specifically those under $10 when available, or readily divisible into under $10 portions) to create a variety of recipes that are both delicious and easy on the wallet. Let’s dive in!
Why Costco for Budget-Friendly Recipes?
Costco’s bulk buying model often translates into significant savings per unit, especially on staples like rice, pasta, canned goods, and frozen vegetables. By strategically planning your meals around Costco’s offerings, you can create flavorful dishes without breaking the bank. We’ll concentrate on items that are frequently, though not always, available at great prices during October, and show you how to maximize their potential.
Recipe 1: Hearty Chickpea and Vegetable Curry (Feeds a Crowd for Cheap!)
This vegetarian curry is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables.
**Costco Ingredients (Estimated Cost):**
* Canned Chickpeas (2 cans): $6.00 (Assuming $3.00/can – look for sales!)
* Frozen Mixed Vegetables (large bag): $9.00 (Often on sale for less)
* Canned Diced Tomatoes (large can): $4.00
* Costco Curry Powder or Garam Masala (use from your existing pantry, or purchase a larger spice container for future use): $8-$15 depending on brand and size.
* Optional: Costco Basmati Rice (large bag, use a portion, cost is around $20 but lasts a long time and cost per meal is low)
**Other Ingredients:**
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 inch ginger, grated
* Vegetable oil or coconut oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Fresh cilantro for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or coconut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add Spices:** Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of curry powder or garam masala (adjust to your spice preference). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma. If you are purchasing curry powder, know that there are different levels of heat. Start with less, taste, and add more if desired.
3. **Incorporate Tomatoes and Chickpeas:** Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.
4. **Add Vegetables:** Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the pot. Stir well to combine. Bring the curry back to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. **Season and Serve:** Season the curry with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a creamier curry, you can add a splash of coconut milk or plain yogurt at the end. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
**Cost Breakdown:** Even if you had to buy all the spices, the cost per serving for a large batch is very low due to the bulk pricing of the core ingredients. The largest investment initially is the rice and spices, but both can be used for many meals.
**Pro Tip:** This curry freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Recipe 2: Giant Costco Meatballs in Marinara Sauce (Pasta Night Made Easy)
Costco often carries large packages of ground beef or ground turkey at competitive prices. This recipe uses that ground meat to create flavorful meatballs that are simmered in marinara sauce and served over pasta.
**Costco Ingredients (Estimated Cost):**
* Ground Beef or Ground Turkey (portion from a large package): Let’s assume you use 2 lbs, and the package is 10lbs for $30, so $6.
* Canned Diced Tomatoes (large can): $4.00
* Dried Pasta (large bag, use a portion): $5.00 for a large bag, usage around $1.
* Parmesan Cheese (optional, use from your existing supply or buy a wedge and use a portion): $15 for a wedge, usage around $2
**Other Ingredients:**
* 1 egg
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Olive oil
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Meatball Mixture:** In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. **Form Meatballs:** Roll the meat mixture into large meatballs (about 2 inches in diameter). Aim for about 12-15 meatballs.
3. **Brown Meatballs:** Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. This step helps to seal in the flavor and gives them a nice crust. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
4. **Make Marinara Sauce:** Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. **Simmer Meatballs in Sauce:** Gently place the browned meatballs into the marinara sauce. Cover the pot and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer they simmer, the more flavorful they will become.
6. **Cook Pasta:** While the meatballs are simmering, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
7. **Serve:** Serve the meatballs and marinara sauce over the cooked pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
**Cost Breakdown:** Again, the bulk ground meat purchase enables creating a very filling and satisfying meal at a low cost per serving. Using dried pasta further reduces the cost.
**Pro Tip:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little kick.
Recipe 3: Quick and Easy Chicken Fajitas (Weeknight Winner!)
Costco often has good deals on chicken breasts. This recipe turns them into flavorful fajitas in minutes.
**Costco Ingredients (Estimated Cost):**
* Chicken Breasts (portion from a large package): Let’s assume you use 2 lbs, and the package is 6lbs for $20, so $6.66.
* Bell Peppers (multi-pack, use a portion): $8.00 for a multi-pack, use 3 for around $2.66
* Onions (large bag, use a portion): $4.00 for a large bag, usage around $0.50.
* Tortillas (large pack): $7.00 for a large pack, usage around $2.
* Fajita Seasoning (use from your existing pantry or buy a large container at Costco): $7-$12
**Other Ingredients:**
* Olive oil
* Optional toppings: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Chicken and Vegetables:** Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips. Slice the bell peppers and onions into strips as well.
2. **Season Chicken:** In a large bowl, toss the chicken strips with fajita seasoning. Use a generous amount to coat the chicken evenly. A tablespoon or two is usually sufficient. The Costco fajita seasoning is great; if using a different brand, check for salt content and adjust accordingly.
3. **Cook Chicken and Vegetables:** Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add the bell peppers and onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes more. You want the vegetables to be tender-crisp, not mushy.
4. **Warm Tortillas:** Warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can heat them in a dry skillet, microwave them, or wrap them in foil and bake them in the oven.
5. **Assemble Fajitas:** Fill each tortilla with the cooked chicken and vegetables. Add your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese.
**Cost Breakdown:** The cost is kept low by using a portion of a larger pack of chicken breasts and vegetables. This is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for a weeknight.
**Pro Tip:** Marinate the chicken in fajita seasoning and a little lime juice for at least 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
Recipe 4: Black Bean Burgers (Vegetarian Delight!)
Canned black beans are a pantry staple, and Costco often carries them in bulk. This recipe uses them to create delicious and healthy black bean burgers.
**Costco Ingredients (Estimated Cost):**
* Canned Black Beans (2 cans): $6.00 (Assuming $3.00/can – look for sales!)
* Bread Crumbs (use portion from a large bag): $7 for a large bag, estimated $1.00 usage
**Other Ingredients:**
* 1/2 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup cooked rice or quinoa
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Burger buns
* Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato, avocado, salsa, cheese
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Black Bean Mixture:** Drain and rinse the black beans. In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth, but still slightly chunky. This texture is important for holding the burgers together.
2. **Add Other Ingredients:** Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice or quinoa, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the mashed black beans. Mix well to combine.
3. **Form Burgers:** Form the black bean mixture into patties (about 1/2 inch thick). If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs until it reaches a workable consistency.
4. **Cook Burgers:** Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the black bean burgers for 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through and slightly browned. Be careful when flipping, as they can be a bit fragile.
5. **Serve:** Serve the black bean burgers on burger buns with your favorite toppings. Lettuce, tomato, avocado, and salsa are all great choices.
**Cost Breakdown:** Black beans are an inexpensive source of protein, making these burgers a budget-friendly option. The small amount of additional ingredients keeps the cost per serving very low.
**Pro Tip:** Add a spoonful of barbecue sauce to the black bean mixture for a smoky flavor.
Recipe 5: Oatmeal with Fruit and Nuts (Breakfast or Snack)
Costco sells large containers of oats at a great price. This simple recipe makes a healthy and satisfying breakfast or snack.
**Costco Ingredients (Estimated Cost):**
* Oats (use a portion from a large container): $10 for a large container, estimated $0.50 usage
* Frozen Berries (use a portion from a large bag): $10 for a large bag, estimated $1.50 usage
* Nuts (optional, use a portion from a large container): $20 for a large container, estimated $2.00 usage
**Other Ingredients:**
* Water or milk
* Optional: Honey, maple syrup, cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook Oats:** Combine oats and water or milk in a saucepan. Use the ratio recommended on the oats package. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the oats are cooked to your desired consistency. You can also microwave the oatmeal according to package directions.
2. **Add Toppings:** Top the oatmeal with frozen berries and nuts. If desired, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
**Cost Breakdown:** Oats are a very inexpensive and healthy grain. Adding frozen berries and nuts adds flavor and nutrition without breaking the bank.
**Pro Tip:** Prepare a large batch of oatmeal on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator for quick and easy breakfasts during the week. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Recipe 6: Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies
This simple and healthy recipe is a great way to use up whatever vegetables you have on hand. Costco often has deals on chicken thighs, which are perfect for this dish.
**Costco Ingredients (Estimated Cost):**
* Chicken Thighs (portion from a large package): Let’s assume you use 2 lbs, and the package is 6lbs for $18, so $6.
* Broccoli (use a portion from a large package): $7 for a large container, estimated $1.50 usage
* Carrots (use a portion from a large bag): $5 for a large bag, estimated $0.75 usage
**Other Ingredients:**
* Olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Chicken and Vegetables:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the broccoli and carrots into bite-sized pieces. If you are using other vegetables, such as potatoes or Brussels sprouts, cut them into similar-sized pieces.
2. **Season Chicken and Vegetables:** In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs and vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using). Make sure everything is evenly coated.
3. **Arrange on Sheet Pan:** Spread the chicken thighs and vegetables in a single layer on a large sheet pan. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will cause them to steam instead of roast.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. **Serve:** Serve the sheet pan chicken and vegetables hot. This dish is great on its own or served with rice or quinoa.
**Cost Breakdown:** Chicken thighs are often more affordable than chicken breasts, and using a portion of larger packages of vegetables keeps the cost low.
**Pro Tip:** Line the sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Recipe 7: Pasta Salad
Costco offers large bags of pasta at excellent prices. This recipe creates a delicious and customizable pasta salad perfect for potlucks or a light lunch.
**Costco Ingredients (Estimated Cost):**
* Pasta (use a portion from a large bag): $5 for a large bag, usage around $1
* Italian Dressing (use from existing stock, or buy a large bottle): $8-$12
* Optional – Black Olives (large can – use a portion): $7 for a large can, estimated $1.50 usage
* Optional – Jarred Pimentos (large jar – use a portion): $5 for a large jar, estimated $1.00 usage
* Optional – Feta Cheese (large container – use a portion): $10 for a large container, estimated $2.00 usage
**Other Ingredients:**
* Cucumber, chopped
* Cherry tomatoes, halved
* Bell pepper, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook Pasta:** Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
2. **Prepare Vegetables:** Chop the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, black olives (if using), pimentos (if using) and feta cheese (if using).
4. **Add Dressing:** Pour Italian dressing over the pasta salad. Toss gently to combine. Add dressing to your liking.
5. **Chill:** Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
**Cost Breakdown:** Using a portion of a large bag of pasta keeps the base cost low. The optional ingredients allow for customization based on your budget and preferences. A little Italian dressing goes a long way.
**Pro Tip:** Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the pasta salad for a more substantial meal.
Maximizing Your Costco Savings
Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your Costco shopping trips and keep your grocery bill down:
* **Plan Your Meals:** Before you go to Costco, plan your meals for the week. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and ensure that you use all of the ingredients you buy.
* **Check the Sales:** Costco often has sales and promotions on various items. Check the Costco website or app before you go to see what’s on sale.
* **Buy in Bulk:** Costco’s bulk buying model can save you a lot of money in the long run. However, make sure you can use all of the items before they expire.
* **Share with Friends or Family:** If you can’t use all of an item before it expires, consider sharing it with friends or family.
* **Use the Costco App:** The Costco app can help you track your spending, find sales, and manage your membership.
* **Consider a Costco Credit Card:** If you shop at Costco frequently, a Costco credit card can earn you rewards on your purchases.
* **Look for the Kirkland Signature Brand:** Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private label brand, and it often offers high-quality products at lower prices than national brands.
* **Compare Unit Prices:** Pay attention to the unit prices of items. This will help you determine whether you are actually getting a good deal.
* **Be Mindful of Expiration Dates:** Check the expiration dates of perishable items before you buy them.
* **Freeze Excess:** Many items, such as meat, vegetables, and bread, can be frozen to extend their shelf life.
Conclusion
By strategically leveraging Costco’s deals and planning your meals carefully, you can create delicious and budget-friendly recipes without sacrificing flavor or quality. These recipes are just a starting point – feel free to adapt them to your own tastes and preferences. Happy cooking and happy saving!