The Ultimate Guide To Costco Hamburgers - Price + Best Picks
Hamburgers Options at Costco
Costco, everyone’s favorite warehouse giant, is renowned for its bulk sizes and affordability across a wide range of products. When it comes to hamburgers – whether frozen, fresh, or of various other meats (salmon, chicken) – Costco maintains the same commitment to value.
In this guide, we are going to take a look at all the Costco hamburger options (Beef + Other Meats) to help you make the best decision.
What Is The Best Costco Hamburger Patty?
4 Different Frozen Hamburgers To Choose From
There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to picking the best burger meat, and Costco doesn’t help make the decision easier with their plethora of options.
At my local Costco warehouse, there are 4 different frozen hamburger options, a salmon burger option, a black bean burger, multiple chicken burger choices, and even fresh ground protein that can be used to make your own hamburgers.
What's Covered In This Costco Frozen Hamburger Guide
In this guide, I will go over these 4 Costco frozen hamburger patty choices (all made by Kirkland Signature):
- Ground Beef Patties – 6 Pounds – 75% Lean / 25% Fat
- Ground Sirloin Patties – 6 Pounds – 85% Lean / 15% Fat
- Angus Ground Chuck Beef Patties – 6 Pounds – 75% Lean / 25% Fat
- Grass-Fed Beef Patties – 5 Pounds – 80% Lean / 20% Fat
Costco Fresh HamBurger Options
Costco Has Ground Beef, But Also Bison And Ground Turkey
Costco sells a wide variety of fresh meat, including ground beef, bison, and turkey, but unfortunately, the options fall short for hamburger making purposes.
The prices are fair, but the lean composition of the meat makes these protein choices less than ideal for juicy and succulent burgers.
Fresh Kirkland Signature Ground Beef 88% Lean
Price: ~$27
Price Per Pound: $3.49
Total Weight: – ~7-8 Pounds
Composition: 88% Lean/12% Fat
Costco’s standard ground beef option, the 88% lean ground beef doesn’t make for the best hamburgers. The price is right at $3.49 a pound, but the higher meat-to-fat ratio isn’t ideal for hamburger patties and can lead to a lack of juiciness and potential dryness.
There are plenty of uses for this Kirkland Signature fresh ground beef, but hamburger patties aren’t one of them.
Kirkland Signature Organic Ground Beef
Price: ~$19.99
Price Per Pound: $5.00
Total Weight: 4 Pounds
Composition: 85% Lean/15% Fat
Costco’s organic ground beef is a better hamburger option, but not perfect with its 85%/15% meat-to-fat ratio. The moderate fat content will cook well and lead to juicy burgers that bring a serious amount of beefy flavor. The ground beef boasts a vibrant red color and is super flavorful and moist.
The Kirkland Signature Organic Ground beef is a great option for those looking for more natural organic ground beef. Out of Costco’s fresh ground beef options, the organic ground beef is what I would choose if I were making fresh hamburger patties instead of opting for one of Costco’s frozen hamburger patties.
Great Range Ground Bison
Price: $19.99
Price Per Pound: $8.00
Total Weight: 2.5 Pounds
Composition: 90% Lean/10% Fat
Costco’s ground bison is one of the more unique options at Costco and definitely will be a fan favorite at your backyard bbq, but again not the best option for juicy hamburgers.
The 90% lean/10% fat ratio makes one healthy hamburger but will be prone to drying out. Cook these perfectly, and you will have a delicious and special hamburger.
Butterball Ground Turkey
Price: $24.99
Price Per Pound: $3.67
Total Weight: 6.8 Pounds
Composition: 93% Lean/7% Fat
If you are throwing a backyard BBQ, it’s always wise to have a ground beef alternative, and this ground turkey from Costco is a great option. The price is affordable at $3.67 a pound, and the fat content is low considering the 7% fat composition.
Making juicy hamburgers using ground turkey is possible, but additional ingredients and preparation will be required.
Why Choose Frozen Hamburgers From Costco Over Fresh Ground Beef?
I eat hamburger patties regularly and there are a few reasons why I choose Costco’s frozen hamburger patties over buying ground beef and making my own.
Convenience - Minimal Prep and Clean Up
The Costco frozen hamburger patties are ready to cook and can go from frozen to cheeseburger status in just about 10 minutes.
The patties are separated by a paper liner which makes it easy to just pick one or two out at a time, and the prep and cook time are minimal.
Consistency - Standardized Size, Shape, and Nutrition
Costco has a few different hamburger patty choices, but they are all sold as 1/3 pound patties. This is great for a few reasons, but my two favorite being that they all have the same shape and are shaped perfectly for buns, as well as the nutritional label is standardized.
I know exactly how much beef I am eating and I have the exact calorie and nutritional information on hand.
Value - Just Slightly More Expensive Than Fresh Ground Beef
Even at Costco, ground beef isn’t as cheap as it used to be. The Costco frozen hamburger patties are about $0.50 to $1 more per pound depending on exactly how much Costco sells its fresh ground beef for. I have no problem spending $1 a pound or about $0.30 per hamburger patty if I don’t have to do any mess prep and keeping clean up minimal.
Costco Frozen Hamburger Patties
4 Delicious Costco Frozen Hamburgers To Choose From
Costco’s frozen food aisle will have as many as 4 different frozen hamburger options. Each of the Costco hamburger options will be slightly different in price, size, composition, and taste, and each will have its own best uses.
Whether I’m eating at home by myself or throwing a backyard party or BBQ, the frozen hamburger patties are always great picks.
Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties
Price: $25.99
Price Per Pound: $4.33
Total Weight: 6 Pounds
Hamburger Patty Count: 18
Hamburger Patty Size: ⅓ Pound
Composition: 75% Lean / 25% Fat
BEST VALUE PICK
Kirkland Signature’s classic ground beef hamburger patty is an extremely versatile pick that is perfect for backyard BBQs or home cooking.
The 25% fat content contributes to the juiciness and flavor and will help prevent the burger patty from overcooking. The high fat content makes this one of my favorite Costco hamburger patties and is one that hits the spot if you are looking for a simple and classic hamburger.
These are sold in 1/3 pound patties at regular Costco locations, but are sold in 1/4 pound patties at Costco business centers.
Kirkland Signature Ground Sirloin Beef Patties
Price: $26.99
Price Per Pound: $4.50
Total Weight: 6 Pounds
Hamburger Patty Count: 18
Hamburger Patty Size: ⅓ Pound
Composition: 85% Lean/15% Fat
HEALTHIEST HAMBURGER CHOICE
Made from premium sirloin beef, Costco’s ground sirloin burger boasts a rich and succulent flavor and is known for its hearty and robust taste. Each pack of Costco’s sirloin burgers includes 18 1/3-pound hamburger patties.
The low 15% fat of these Costco hamburgers may offer a better nutritional label but can lead to dryness if overcooked, as the lower fat content can result in dryness. At $4.50 a pound, this Costco burger provides a healthier beef hamburger option at great value.
Kirkland Signature Angus Chuck Patties
Price: $27.99
Price Per Pound: $4.66
Total Weight: 6 Pounds
Hamburger Patty Count: 18
Hamburger Patty Size: ⅓ Pound
Composition: 75% Lean / 25% Fat
BEST TASTING HAMBURGER PATTY
Crafted from premium Angus Beef and packed with 25% fat, Costco’s Angus chuck patty is an exceptional frozen burger option. This is one of the tastiest Costco hamburger options as it combines 25% fat with ground chuck beef patties. Each bite is juicy, flavorful, and, most importantly, beefy.
For just a few pennies more per burger patty than the simple ground beef burger, this is one of the best values of the Costco frozen hamburger options. You can’t go wrong with this high-quality burger patty from Costco.
Kirkland Signature Grass Fed Beef Patty
Price: $25.99
Price Per Pound: $4.99
Total Weight: 5 Pounds
Hamburger Patty Count: 15
Hamburger Patty Size: ⅓ Pound
Composition: 80% Lean / 20% Fat
MOST UNIQUE WITH COMPLEX FLAVOR
Many consider 80% Lean/20% fat to be the ideal balance for the perfect burger, and when paired with the goodness of grass-fed beef, the burger-eating experience reaches a whole new level.
The rich and wholesome taste of grass-fed beef is present in taste and smell in this Costco frozen hamburger, and is great for those looking for a more elevated hamburger option. Easily one of Costco’s best hamburgers.
How to Cook Costco Hamburger Patties
Grilling Costco Hamburgers
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the Costco hamburger patties with salt and pepper or desired seasonings.
- Place the Costco patties on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done burgers.
- Optional: Add cheese during the last minute of grilling for melted cheeseburgers.
- Remove the patties from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pan Fry Costco Burgers
- Heat a frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil or butter.
- Season the Costco hamburger patties with salt and pepper.
- Place the Costco burgers in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done burgers.
- Optional: Add cheese during the last minute of cooking for melted cheeseburgers.
- Remove the patties from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Broil Burger Patty Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven’s broiler and place the oven rack in the top position.
- Season the frozen hamburger patties with salt and pepper.
- Place the Costco hamburger patties on a broiler pan or a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Broil the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done burgers.
Baking Costco Hamburger Patties
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the Costco hamburgers with salt and pepper.
- Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake the patties for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done burgers.
Air Fryer Costco Burger Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the hamburger patties to your liking.
- Place the patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with sufficient space between patties.
- Air fry the patties for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for well-done burgers.
Other Costco Burger Options
Skip The Beef Burger And Go With Alternatives
Is ground beef not your thing? Or just looking for different protein burger options for your next bbq? Costco has a plethora of ground beef alternative burgers ranging from fish to chicken to even plant-based.
If you found this guide helpful, check out our Costco Sausage Showdown Guide.
Trident Alaskan Salmon Burgers
Price: $17.99
Total Package Weight: 3 Pounds
Price Per Pound: $6.00
Salmon Patty Count: 12
Salmon Patty Size: ¼ Pound
Costco’s Alaska Salmon Burger patties offer a delightful salmon burger experience. Packed with flavor and nutrients, the salmon burger is a delicious and healthy option. This is the perfect option for those looking for a healthy alternative to ground beef patties.
Don Lee Farms Grilled Chicken Patties
Price: $14.99
Total Package Weight: 2 Pounds 10 Ounces
Price Per Pound: $5.71
Chicken Patty Count: 12
Chicken Patty Size: 3.5 Ounces
Don Lee Farm Grilled Chicken Patties are a great healthy chicken burger option and possibly one of the healthiest patty options at Costco. They do have a slightly processed feel, but they cook quickly and are moist and tasty. These chicken patties make a great light and healthy option.
AmyLu Chicken Burgers
Price: $14.99
Total Package Weight: 2 Pounds
Price Per Pound: $7.00
Chicken Burger Count: 8
Chicken Burger Size: 4 Ounces
AmyLu’s chicken burgers are a more elevated version of Don Lee Farms Frozen Grilled Chicken Patties. The AmyLu version is a little pricier but does come mixed in with additional flavors. They still have somewhat of a processed feel but a delicious chicken patty burger option.
Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Filets
Price: $16.99
Total Package Weight: 3 Pounds
Price Per Pound: $5.66
Chicken Fillet Count: ~12
Chicken Fillet Size: 3 Ounces
These Just Bare Chicken Filets are an excellent option for those looking for a breaded chicken sandwich. They are super easy to cook in the air fryer and taste amazing. These Just Bare Chicken Filets from Costco are crispy, crunchy goodness.
Frozen Turkey Burgers
Price: $10.99
Total Package Weight: 3.33 Pounds
Price Per Pound: $3.30
Turkey Burger Count: 10
Turkey Burger Size: ⅓ Pound
These pre-seasoned Costco frozen turkey burgers bring extreme value, convenience, and taste. The turkey burgers are already pre-seasoned and are juicy and moist when cooked properly. Great to keep on hand in the freezer or even to serve at parties.
Impossible Burgers
Price: $13.99
Total Package Weight: 2 Pounds
Price Per Pound: $7.00
Impossible Patty Count: 8
Impossible Patty Size: 4 Ounces
If plant based burgers are your thing, Costco sells Impossible Burgers at a very reasonable price of $13.99. The plant-based burgers deliver a meaty texture and rich flavor without the use of animal products, making them excellent for vegans or those who just don’t like juicy tasty hamburgers.
Greg Larkin is the founder and managing editor of Costco Food Database, the premiere site for honest takes on all things Costco food. A self-proclaimed Costco super-fan since childhood, Greg turned his obsession in a mission to properly rate and review all of Costco’s delicious buys. When he’s not busy navigating Costco aisles, you can find Greg smoking Kirkland Signature meats, meal prepping, or perfecting his homemade jerky recipes.