When it comes to grocery shopping, Costco has built a reputation for offering a wide array of high-quality products at competitive prices. Among their extensive range, Costco ground beef stands out as a beloved staple among budget-conscious shoppers and culinary enthusiasts. With a commitment to delivering exceptional quality, value, and taste, Costco has become a go-to destination for those seeking premium ground beef that exceeds expectations.
Read on as we will delve into the reasons behind the popularity of Costco ground beef, exploring the factors that make it a standout choice for consumers and a testament to Costco’s unwavering dedication to providing top-notch products. Read on to learn which is the best ground beef from Costco – whether you’re looking to feed a large family or craving a delicious beefy meal.
How Much Is A Package of Ground Beef At Costco — Costco Ground Beef Price 2023
Besides premade hamburger patties, the warehouse sells three types of ground beef: American Raised Waygu, Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef, and Kirkland Signature Ground Beef. They vary in price from $3.99 to $6.24 per pound. All the meat is fresh and found in the store’s refrigerated section.
The cheapest option is Kirkland Signature Ground Beef. It’s 88% lean, 12% fat, and $3.99 per pound. It’s sold in bulk, and packages range from six to about seven pounds. We couldn’t find the same lean/fat ratio in our local grocery stores, but 90/10 ground beef costs $6.29 per pound there.
The middle-range option is the Free Graze American Raised Waygu Ground Beef. A package of three pouches costs $16.99; this breaks down to $5.66 per pound. Locally, a comparable brand costs $9.99 per pound.
Rounding out the options is the most expensive pick, Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef. Four one-pound pouches of this 85% lean meat cost $24.99 or $6.24 per pound. That’s ⅓ cheaper than a comparable brand that sells for $8.99 locally.
Overall Costco ground beef prices in 2023 are excellent. You are looking at significant savings by purchasing in bulk. It freezes well if you can’t use the meat up before a few days.
But the question remains, what’s the best Costco ground beef? Let’s delve deeper.
Kirkland Signature Ground Beef 88/12
The most straightforward meat sold is the cheapest at $3.99 per pound. Kirkland Signature Ground Beef is 88% lean and 12% fat. This ratio is close to Cook’s Country’s recommended 85% lean and 15% fat mix but might be too lean for some uses.
This mix is not very popular. We couldn’t find it at our local grocery stores or AmazonFresh. It’s close to the recommended amount, but the lower fat content makes it more likely to dry out while cooking. Therefore, we don’t recommend this meat for making hamburger patties (Although the warehouse has excellent premade burgers).
This product is NOT organic, so this is not the right one if that’s what you desire, but if you are working with a tight budget or feeding a crowd, this is a solid option.
Costco American Raised Waygu Ground Beef
Wagyu (pronounced wah-gyoo) beef is prized for its marbling and umami-rich flavor. Standard Waygu beef comes from a specific cow breed found in Japan. Costco Waygu Ground Beef is NOT Japanese Waygu beef which is purebred. The warehouse version is crossbred (likely with Angus Beef).
This cross-breeding isn’t necessarily bad; it just produces a different product. The American Raised Waygu Ground Beef at Costco does not have the same sweet umami flavor as its Japanese counterpart, though it’s still marbled and flavorful, just not nearly as rich.
If you desire a robust beefy flavor, try the American Raised Waygu ground beef. It’s an excellent option for making burger patties, meatloaf, or any other recipe where you want a robust meaty flavor. It may not be worth the extra cost for heavily seasoned recipes that overshadow the American Waygu flavor.
Costco sells three pouch packs of Free Graze American Raised Waygu Ground Beef for $16.99 or $5.66 per pound. This is much cheaper than our local grocery store, which sold a comparable brand for $9.99 per pound.
Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef
Rounding out the warehouse options is Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef. It’s 85% fat and 15% lean, the exact percentage Cooks Country recommends for most uses.
This is the version we often buy, and we love the taste and agree with the pros that the fat content is perfectly balanced for almost all dishes. This fat mix is a great option for all-around cooking. Higher fat levels are suitable for foods that dry out quickly, and lower levels are perfect for recipes with other fat sources. An 85/15 mix strikes a good balance.
Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef is an excellent item for your Costco list if buying organic is important to you.
Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef is not grass-fed. It’s raised without added growth hormones and antibiotics, but nowhere does it state the cow’s diet. It’s important to know that most studies showing the benefits of how organic beef specifically compare grass-fed beef to standard beef.
What’s The Best Ground Beef From Costco?
The warehouse’s three ground beef options are good, but the best ground beef from Costco is Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef. It has the optimal fat/lean ratio and tastes excellent. It’s also organic, which may be better for the environment.
The caveat to this pick is that the product is NOT grass-fed. Most research compares standard ground beef to grass-fed, and some studies suggest added health benefits.
If you want a robust beefy flavor, try the American Raised Waygu Ground Beef. It is NOT the same as the Japanese variety but still boosts a rich flavor and high marbling. If you want a meaty flavor to shine, this is for you.
The last option, Kirkland Signature Ground Beef 88/12, is the perfect budget-friendly choice. It is slightly leaner than the other options, so be careful not to overcook it. If you have a crowd to feed, buy this.
Read More:
Costco Ground Turkey: A Healthy and Affordable Option For Easy Dinners
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Costco Burgers You Need to Try Today
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