We tried every Costco frozen hamburger at Costco to find the best.

When it comes to convenient and delicious frozen burgers, Costco has earned a reputation for offering some of the best options on the market. Among the large selection of frozen burgers in the warehouse, a few stand out as the best. 

These patties offer a perfect balance of taste, quality, and value, making them a go-to choice for many shoppers. We tried every option available to find what was worth buying and what made them unique. But buying in bulk is a big upfront investment. To make sure you aren’t wasting your grocery budget on a box of patties that will just sit in the back of your freezer, I ran the numbers to find the best balance of taste, quality, and value.

Whether you’re a burger enthusiast or simply looking for a quick and easy meal, these top picks will satisfy your cravings.

Our Recommendations

🍔 If you want a budget-friendly option, choose Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties. At just $1.24 each, this is the ultimate hack for feeding a massive crowd.”

Costco Hamburger Patties With 2026 Prices

In the frozen food section of Costco, there are several options for pre-made hamburgers. Some types come in and out of the freezer, but the standard options include the following.

Type of Burger	Price	Burgers Per Package	Price Per Burger
Kirkland Signature 100% Grass-Fed Beef Patties (⅓ lb.)	$34.99	15	$2.33
Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties (1/3 lb.)	$33.99	18	$1.88
Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties (¼ lb.)	$49.99	40	$1.24

These Costco frozen hamburger patties were sold in 2025 but NOT in 2026.

• Kirkland Signature 100% Grass-Fed Wagyu Ground Beef Patties 1/3 lb. $25.49 for 15
• Kirkland Signature Angus Ground Chuck And Beef Patties ⅓ lb. $32.79 for 18
• Kirkland Signature Beef Sliders 2 ounces $16.99 for 32
• Kirkland Signature Ground Sirloin And Loin of Beef Patties ⅓ lb. $33.29 for 18

Prices are up 25% from 2025 and there are less than half the options.

Price isn’t the only thing to consider when finding the best burger. These frozen burgers from Costco vary in cow breed, beef cut, fat content, and patty size. Let’s explore each option in more depth.

Breed of Cow

Kirkland Signature Hamburger Patties are made from different varieties of cows: Angus, Wagyu, and unspecified. Two packages specify breeds, the others do not.

Angus 
Angus beef comes from the Aberdeen Angus breed of cattle, known for its muscular build. These cuts usually feature a high degree of marbling. This swirl of fat provides excellent texture, taste, and tenderness.

Wagyu
Wagyu is another breed of cattle. American Wagyu is often used for grilling, roasting, and pan-searing. It has less marbling than Japanese Wagyu, resulting in lower fat content and a hearty, beefy flavor that many enjoy in popular dishes. The Japanese version offers a distinct experience with its very tender, rich flavor that coats your mouth. The taste is decadent and buttery, providing an exquisite eating experience.

Cuts of Beef Used

Ground beef is a general term for any ground cut of beef, including ground chuck, ground round, and ground sirloin.

Ground Sirloin and Loin of Beef:
Sirloin is the most expensive and leanest option. Ground sirloin has a big, beefy flavor, adding a robust meatiness to meals. It is generally darker in color and more uniform in texture. The Loin starts at the hip and comprises the Sirloin, the Short Loin, and the Tenderloin.

Ground Chuck and Beef:
Ground Chuck and Beef are sometimes labeled as “lean ground beef.” It is an excellent all-purpose choice, with enough fat to impart great flavor while being a bit less fatty. It comes from the front of the animal around the shoulder.

Ground Beef:
This is made from trimmings of inexpensive cuts like brisket and shank.  Typically, it has the highest fat content among ground beef options.

Fat Content in Ground Beef

The fat content in ground beef is just as important as the cut. By law, the maximum fat content allowed is 30%. Higher-fat compositions will render more fat, potentially making your burger greasy and causing a soggy bun. Lower-fat compositions (like 85% lean / 15% fat) dry out faster. 

85% Lean / 15% Fat:
A leaner composition that can dry out if overcooked. 

80% Lean / 20% Fat:
The most common choice among burger chefs because its fat content makes burgers juicier and more flavorful. This ratio is ideal for cooking burgers medium-rare to medium, providing juiciness without making them greasy. Ground chuck consistently carries an 80/20 ratio from the same spot on the cow, ensuring a consistent flavor profile. In contrast, unspecified 80/20 blends can contain any mixture of ground chuck, ground sirloin, and ground round.

75% Lean / 25% Fat
Typically pink, with several flecks of fat that add flavor. Choose a higher-fat composition for burgers cooked medium to medium-well or more to avoid a dry, flavorless burger. 

Hamburger Patty Size

Quarter-Pound Patty:
A quarter-pound patty is the ideal “standard size” burger that fits the bun perfectly. It balances a chargrilled outer texture and a juicy, meaty interior. Cook these for about 4 minutes per side at 450°F.

Third-Pound Patty:
Opt for a third-pound patty when you crave a thick, juicy burger. It results in a more substantial, beefier interior with a proportionately smaller char-grilled surface, so quality meat is crucial. Cook these for about 4 ½ to 5 minutes per side at 450°F, and always check their internal temperature due to their thickness.

Slider Size Patty:
By nature, sliders are smaller, typically 2 ounces or .125 pounds. They are great for appetizers. Cook them for about three minutes per side.

Costco Frozen Hamburgers Reviews

Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties – OUR BUDGET PICK

These are the smallest and cheapest of the frozen Costco hamburger patties. They cost less than $1 per burger, and even at 1/4 lb., they still fit nicely on the bun but are slightly thinner than the other varieties. They are ground-up shank and brisket and contain 25% fat, which causes flare-ups on the grill.

These are just like a standard BBQ burger. We didn’t find them remarkable for flavor, but that being said, they are an excellent price, and if you have a large group to feed, these are the best Costco Burgers for those on a budget.

Both of the blue box and the blue labeled bag of Ground Beef Patties contain the exact same Kirkland Signature ground beef, just pressed into different sizes. But if you want to protect your grocery budget, the math points directly to the smaller patties. When you break it down by weight, the ⅓ lb. box costs roughly $5.67 per pound, while the massive 40-pack of ¼ lb. patties comes in at just $5.00 per pound. If you don’t mind a slightly smaller burger, grabbing the ¼ lb. box saves you nearly 12% on the exact same meat.

Verdict: At just $1.24 per burger, this is your ultimate budget saver if you have a massive BBQ to host.

Kirkland Signature Angus Ground Chuck *Our Pick For Best Costco Burger – NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

These frozen Costco hamburger patties come partly from the Angus breed of cow. They have a higher fat content than the other options (25 percent). The patties are 1/3 pound, which fits nicely on a bun and creates a thick burger.

This was our favorite Costco burger. We loved how it tastes like what you want a burger to be. It has a great beefy flavor, and thanks to the extra fat content, it’s extra juicy. This additional fat is noticeable when cooking. Our grill had several flare-ups as it seeped out, so pay attention to avoid any issues.

Verdict: At $1.82 per burger, this is the absolute sweet spot for taste, quality, and value. It delivers a premium, restaurant-quality bite with incredible juiciness thanks to that 25% fat ratio. It is the perfect all-around choice for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner—just be sure to watch out for those grill flare-ups!

Kirkland Signature Ground Sirloin and Loin of Beef Patties – NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Made from an unspecified breed of cow but ground from the sirloin and loin of beef, Kirkland Signature Ground Sirloin and Loin of Beef Patties are the leanest of the bunch. These 1/3-pound patties contain just 15% fat.

The Costco Sirloin Burgers are meatier and thicker than other varieties and remind us of what you would order at a steakhouse, which are fine, but they can be too much for a weeknight meal.

Verdict: At $1.85 per patty, this is the most expensive option. They are delicious, but can be a bit heavy for a casual weeknight meal

Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Slider Patties – NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

We know we are late to the game, but we’ve just hopped on the slider train and don’t want to get off. These smaller patties are perfect for appetizers or a smaller dinner portion. The Costco version is 75% lean and 25% fat, and cooked up perfectly. They lacked some flavor, but a sprinkle of Kinder’s Seasoning made them next-level.

Verdict: At roughly $0.53 per slider, the math works out well for party appetizers.

Kirkland Signature 100% Grass-Fed Wagyu Ground Beef Patties – NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

At $1.70 per patty, the 100% Grass-Fed Wagyu Ground Beef Patties are the most expensive Costco Frozen Hamburgers. This high price is likely due to the additional cost of using Wagyu cattle. The 1/3 lb burgers have a delicate texture.

The cattle are 100% grass-fed, meaning the only things they have eaten since birth have been grass and their mother’s milk. This results in leaner meat and a different texture. While it may seem as though grass-fed is more nutritious, according to Healthline, “even though grass-fed beef contains higher amounts of certain nutrients, there is currently no compelling evidence that it’s significantly healthier than grain-fed beef in the context of a balanced diet.”

The texture is what stands out the most about the Costco Wagyu burgers. They are incredibly tender, and it’s noticeable from the first bite.

Verdict: When last available, these broke down to $1.70 per patty. If you see them return to the freezer aisle, they are the ultimate texture splurge. The Wagyu beef is incredibly tender and noticeable from the very first bite. Just remember the data: you are paying that premium for a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience, not necessarily for a massive nutritional upgrade over standard beef!

What Are The Best Burgers To Buy At Costco?

There are some good burger patties at Costco. 

Our top pick for the best ground beef is the Kirkland Signature Angus Ground Chuck, and it’s easy to see why. Though it has a slightly higher fat ratio of 25% compared to the recommended amount, this extra fat ensures every bite is deliciously juicy. Imagine sinking your teeth into a burger that’s bursting with rich, meaty flavor and perfectly fits on a standard bun with its 1/3 pound size. Whether you're grilling for a backyard BBQ or making a quick weeknight dinner, this ground chuck turns any burger into a mouthwatering masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

For 2026 we are recommending the blue box of Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties at $1.24 per patty, you can't beat the price. 

How Do You Cook Costco Kirkland Burgers

The best way to cook Kirkland Burgers is on the grill, but you will also get solid results from the oven or air fryer. Here’s how to cook Costco Kirkland Burgers.

On The Grill

1. Heat the grill to 325 degrees.
2. Separate the burgers and discard the paper separators.
3. Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking (we like Avocado oil for its high-heat tolerance).
4. Place the meat on the grill and season.
5. Cook until the internal temp reaches 160 degrees for done 145 for medium, flipping every 5 minutes. They should take about 15 minutes, but start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.

In The Air Fryer

1. Spray both sides of the burgers and the air fryer basket with oil.
2. Air Fry at 360°F.
3. After the first 10 minutes, flip the patties. 
4. Continue cooking for another 2-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. 

How Long To Cook Kirkland Burgers In The Oven

It’s easy to cook Kirkland burgers in the oven. They take about 20 minutes to cook. Here’s how:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. 
2. Take a large sheet pan and cover it with aluminum foil.
3. Place a wire rack on top and spray with baking spray.
4. Place the burgers on the rack, making sure they do not overlap.
5. Sprinkle your favorite seasoning on and bake for 10 minutes.
6. Flip, season, and bake for 10 minutes more.
7. If you want cheeseburgers, place the slices on top and bake for 2 more minutes, until the cheese melts.

The wire rack gives the grease a place to go while the food cooks. Be sure to put aluminum foil on the sheet pan; it makes cleaning up a breeze. 

The Best Costco Burgers FAQ

Why Is My Costco Hamburger Brown In the Middle?

Brown meat inside a hamburger is a common issue. Most of the time, the inside changes color due to a lack of oxygen, so it’s not a cause for concern. 

Oxygen reacts with the pigment in the meat, oxymyoglobin, creating a bright red color. You will find this substance in all warm-blooded animals. 

According to the USDA, if the outside turns brown or grey, the meat is likely going bad, and it’s best to toss it. It’s also essential to let your senses lead you and get rid of any meat that doesn’t smell right. 

Does Costco Sell Fresh Burger Patties?

Rastelli’s Chuck and Short Rib Burgers are fresh (not frozen). They rotate in and out of the warehouse during the spring and summer months and retail for $11.99 for six patties (50 cents cheaper than in 2024). These are the most expensive options in the warehouse at $2.00; in reality, it is only 18 cents more per burger than the frozen Angus chuck, making it feel like a very justifiable splurge!

These decadent patties are the most expensive but worth trying if you want a “meaty” burger for a small group. They are seasoned with salt and pepper, so if you are on a low-sodium diet, you may want to avoid them to better control the seasoning.

If these aren’t available, Costco has massive packs of fresh ground beef you can use to make your own. But does making them from scratch actually save you money? Read my exact math on the “convenience tax” of buying pre-made patties vs. bulk ground beef.

How To Make The Best Costco Frozen Burgers Taste Better

Frozen burgers maintain the taste and fat just as well as fresh burger patties. They also have a longer shelf life, with most maintaining freshness for at least six months. The biggest downside to frozen burgers is that you cannot impart flavor inside. But you can season the meat to make frozen burgers taste better.

We recommend about 1 ½ tablespoons of seasoning for every four hamburgers. Once they are on the grill, sprinkle on the side facing you. Add some to the other side after flipping.

There are so many options for the best seasonings! In addition to general salt and pepper, you can try garlic powder, season salt, or Montreal steak seasoning. Our warehouse favorite is Kinder’s The Blend. It’s the perfect combination of salt, pepper, garlic, and more.

Grabbing a box of frozen burgers at Costco is a fantastic way to feed a crowd or prep for busy weeknights, but as you can see, the size and cut you choose drastically changes the math. Whether you opt for the juicy Angus Chuck or stretch your budget with the quarter-pounders to avoid the massive 2026 price hike, knowing the exact price-per-patty is the only way to ensure you are actually getting a deal.

The Final Verdict on Costco Burgers

But burgers are just the beginning of the meat math. The warehouse is full of hidden deals, secret price tag codes, and bulk items that are actually budget traps in disguise. You shouldn’t have to guess if you are saving money while standing in the middle of the freezer aisle.

That is exactly why I created the Warehouse Compass.

My free 25-item cheat sheet does the hard price-per-ounce math for you, instantly decoding Costco’s most popular staples so you can eliminate decision fatigue and shop with total financial confidence.

What do you think are the best Costco burgers? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to read.

Pin this for later.