master-cooks | The Easy Way To Save Money Buying Steaks At Costco

Buying steaks at Costco can be a cost-effective way to enjoy high-quality meat without breaking the bank. One of the most effective strategies is to purchase whole cuts of meat instead of pre-cut steaks. Costco often offers large primal cuts such as ribeye roasts or whole tenderloins, which can be significantly cheaper per pound compared to buying individual steaks. By investing a little time in learning how to properly butcher these larger cuts at home, you can customize the thickness of your steaks and save a considerable amount of money. Another tip is to pay attention to sales or markdowns. Costco occasionally offers discounts on certain meat products, and timing your purchase with these sales can result in substantial savings. Additionally, buying in bulk and freezing the extra portions can help you make the most of your purchase without worrying about spoilage. Properly wrapping and storing the steaks in the freezer ensures they maintain their quality over time. Lastly, consider splitting bulk purchases with friends or family. This way, you can take advantage of Costco's lower prices without needing to store a large quantity of meat. By using these strategies, you can enjoy premium steaks from Costco at a fraction of the usual cost.

Buying whole Costco roasts

With a large roast, you can slice your steaks to your preferred size. If you stick to the typical thickness of 1 to 1.5 inches per steak, you can expect to yield about 15 individual steaks from one roast. That’s likely too many for a single meal or even a family gathering, no matter how hungry you might be (though you would certainly impress everyone at a big barbecue with that quantity). Fortunately, it's simple to freeze and store any leftovers for later use. This way, you save a significant amount of money and reduce the need for future grocery trips.

Additionally, keep in mind that when you come across smaller steaks with special preparations (like Costco's sirloin filets wrapped in applewood smoked bacon), they typically come at a higher price per pound. It’s more economical to purchase a standard steak and add your own seasonings or toppings; even better, buying a roast is usually the most cost-effective option, as it generally lacks those extravagant extras, with a few exceptions like the boneless ribeye, which has had the rib bones removed.

Freezing Costco roasts and steaks

Imagine you've sliced up your roast, enjoyed a couple of hearty dinners, and still have a dozen steaks left. Letting that beef go to waste won't save you any money, so how can you freeze your steaks properly? The best method is to tightly wrap each steak in plastic wrap, then place them in Ziploc or other resealable bags to prevent freezer burn. A steak (or the entire roast) can remain fresh for up to four months, although it can still be good for up to a year.

When you're ready to defrost the raw steaks you've stored away, take off all the wrappings and let them sit on a plate in your refrigerator. A single steak should be ready to cook in about a day or a little longer—if you froze the whole roast, it may take up to four days. Checking if the beef is fully thawed is easy: it should feel soft rather than solid. Plus, since you cut it yourself, it will come off the grill just the way you like it.

The Easy Way To Save Money Buying Steaks At Costco

Buying whole Costco roasts

Freezing Costco roasts and steaks

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