It’s almost that time when everyone in the country dons green and celebrates the Irish — St. Patrick’s Day!
Our favorite retailer has the main course for the festivities. If you haven’t already, it’s time to try Costco Corned Beef.
We’ve got everything you need to know about this St. Patrick’s Day treat, when it is available, how much it costs, how to cook it, and more.
Does Costco Have Corned Beef Now?
Yes! Costco has corned beef briskets in the store as of February 10, 2023. We found a large selection of Morton’s of Omaha Corned Beef Brisket.
Shoppers will find the packages near the Tiramisu in the refrigerated section. They were NOT near other cuts of meat. The warehouse sometimes carries a precooked corned beef dinner, but we have yet to see that.
The packages ranged from about 3 pounds to a little more than six pounds and cost $5.99 per pound. There’s a significant price jump from last year when I paid $4.79 per pound.
Costco Corned Beef Price 2023
Our local Costco has Morton’s of Omaha Corned Beef Briskets for $5.99 per pound. The meat ranged in size from about three pounds to over six pounds.
Last year the same brand was just $4.79 per pound. However, the current price is still cheaper than our local grocery store, where a comparable brand retails for $8.99 per pound.
The 20% jump in price is higher than the national cost of inflation for food which was 11.4% for 2022.
The Morton’s of Omaha corned beef is available for delivery via Instacart for $7.01 per pound.
How Many Pounds of Corned Beef Per Person
As with most meats like turkey, we recommend buying ½ lb. per person. But your intended cooking method also influences how big of corned beef to buy.
Corned beef tends to shrink by as much as one-third. This shrinkage occurs when you use higher heat.
If you plan on using a low and slow method, like the crock pot, there’s no need to account for shrinkage. But if you are using the Instapot, you will likely want to buy a larger brisket.
Accounting for shrinkage, a three-pound corned beef served with vegetables should adequately feed four people.
Should I Rinse Corned Beef Before Cooking?
Yes! You should rinse corned beef before cooking.
Corned beef is brisket cured with salt and pickling spices which infuse the meat with flavor. When purchased, these spices are still on the beef—rinsing the corned beef before cooking removes the excess salt.
If you don’t rinse, your corned beef may be too salty. Don’t worry about bland meat. The salt and spices penetrate the exterior; you won’t miss anything left on the surface.
What Is The Red Liquid In The Package?
Contrary to popular belief, the red liquid in the corned beef package is not blood. It is myoglobin, and if your package contains this substance, it’s safe to cook.
Over time, proteins within the meat that holds onto water lose their grip. Along with the expelled water is myoglobin, the protein that causes the meat to be red.
There is no cause for concern; you may eat the meat. But we recommend you rinse it first to remove any spices from the curing process.
How To Cook Costco Corned Beef
The company recommends cooking the corned beef the traditional way — boiling. But that’s not the only method that yields a delicious dinner.
How To Cook Costco Corned Beef On The Stovetop
- Take the meat out of the package and rinse.
- Place in a large pot and add enough water to cover.
- Sprinkle in the spice packet as desired. (More spices yield a more robust flavor).
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for three hours.
- Place the meat in a preheated 350-degree oven for 15 minutes for a brown exterior.
- Allow the meat to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
How To Cook Costco Corned Beef In The Instant Pot
- Remove the meat from the package and rinse.
- Place in the pressure cooker. If needed, cut into pieces to fit.
- Pour 2 cups of water into the cooker. (Liquid should cover the meat).
- Set the instant pressure cooker to high. For smaller brisket flats (3 – 4.5 lbs.), set the time from 45 – 65 minutes. For larger brisket flats (5 lbs. or more), set the time from 75 – 90 minutes. Press the start button.
- Confirm internal temperature has reached 160°F, as measured by a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the roast.
- Remove roast from the instant pressure cooker and place in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes to brown. Remove from oven and let stand for at least 5 minutes before slicing across the grain.
Tips For Cooking Costco Corned Beef
- This variety is the flat cut which has a large piece of fat on top. Cook the meat with the fat side up. This method helps prevent dry beef.
- Replace ⅓ of the water with your favorite beer for added flavor.
- Add the vegetables in the last 30 minutes of cooking on the stove or place them in the Instapot for five minutes while the meat rests.
- Make sure to cut the meat against the grain. It makes the meat more tender.
How To Store Corned Beef
Since the meat is preserved with salt, uncooked corned beef will last for over a month in the refrigerator. Leave it in its original packaging.
Cooked corned beef is good for 3-4 days after cooking.
If you don’t plan on eating the leftovers, they freeze well. Place leftover meat in a large Ziploc bag. It will last for two months.
Our sister site, The Kitchen Chalkboard, has creative recipes that use leftover corned beef.
Other St. Patrick’s Day Foods At Costco
If you want a special St. Patrick’s Day dinner but don’t like corned beef, Costco has great options.
Little ones will flip for Nuovo Pasta’s Shamrock Ravioli. Inside the green and white pasta are imported Irish-aged cheddar, mozzarella, white cheddar, ricotta, and parmesan. Two packs cost $8.99.
Another great option is Ruprecht Irish Stew. There’s no need to spend hours cooking; just heat and serve the heart dinner that’s fully cooked. Available in the refrigerated section, it’s $6.29.
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