Costco Shop for a Family of 7

Written By Ruth Ribaudo

I try to make a Costco run about once a month—it’s become a rhythm for our family. With five kids, planning ahead and stocking up not only saves money but brings a little order to the chaos of weekly meals. Over time, I’ve found a few staples that make every trip worth it. I’ve shared my go-to list (tried and true favorites!) along with simple meal ideas to help you stretch those Costco finds into real, family-friendly dinners.

🧺 My Monthly Costco Staples

Kirkland Bath Tissue – $20.99
Soft, strong, and long-lasting. It’s the best value I’ve found (and trust me, I’ve tried many).

Kirkland Paper Towels – $20.49
Thick, absorbent, and last forever — the best bang for your buck.

Kirkland Bacon – $18.99
Comes in a four-pack and is a Saturday morning essential around here.

Rao’s Marinara (2-pack) – $11.00
If you haven’t tried Rao’s, you’re missing out. It’s rich, fresh, and made with clean ingredients — a pantry must-have.

Avocado Mash – $12.99
Just avocado, salt, and pepper. Perfect for quick lunches, avocado toast, or tacos.

Butter Croissants – $5.99
A family favorite. I freeze them, and they thaw beautifully — ideal for breakfast sandwiches or weekend brunch.

Kirkland Sparkling Water – $11.99
As New Jersey transplants, we still drink seltzer like it’s our job.

Organic Chicken Thighs – $30.00
Organic Chicken Breasts – $30.00
Organic Ground Beef – $25.00
Perfect for batch cooking, soups, tacos, and sheet-pan dinners.

Organic Eggs (18-pack) – $7.99
We go through these fast. A great deal for high-quality eggs.

Organic Milk (3-pack) – $11.99
Always fresh and a pantry staple for baking, breakfasts, and smoothies.

Kirkland Butter (4-pack) – $12.39
Great flavor and excellent for baking — I always keep one pack in the fridge and freeze the rest.

🍲 Meal Ideas Using These Staples

  • Bacon & Egg Breakfast Sandwiches on thawed croissants.

  • Chicken & Rice Bowls with roasted veggies and avocado mash.

  • Homemade Spaghetti Night using Rao’s and ground beef.

  • Sheet-Pan Chicken Thighs with herbs and potatoes.

  • Tacos — with the ground beef. We do tacos every Tuesday💡 Why It Works

    Shopping once a month keeps my kitchen stocked, my meal planning simple, and our budget steady. Plus, it’s one less thing to think about every week — and with a family our size, that’s worth its weight in gold.

💡 Why It Works

Shopping once a month keeps my kitchen stocked, my meal planning simple, and our budget steady. Plus, it’s one less thing to think about every week — and with a family our size, that’s worth its weight in gold.

Ruth Ribaudo