We tested every frozen hamburger sold at Costco to determine which one is best.
Costco is known for offering convenient, well-priced frozen burgers, and among the warehouse’s selection a few clearly stand out. We evaluated taste, quality, and value to identify the patties worth buying and those to skip.
Buying frozen burgers in bulk requires a significant upfront cost, so to avoid wasting money on patties that sit in the freezer, we ran the numbers to find the best balance of flavor, ingredient quality, and price per patty.
Whether you want a reliable weeknight dinner or something for a backyard BBQ, these recommendations will help you pick the right Costco burger.
Table of Contents
Our Recommendations
🍔 For the best budget option, choose Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties. At about $1.24 per patty, they’re the most economical choice for feeding a crowd.
Costco Hamburger Patties With 2026 Prices
Costco’s frozen burger selection fluctuates, but the common options in the freezer typically include several Kirkland Signature patties. Below is a snapshot of available options and typical pricing.
| Type of Burger | Price | Burgers Per Package | Price Per Burger |
| Kirkland Signature 100% Grass-Fed Beef Patties (â…“ lb.) | $34.99 | 15 | $2.33 |
| Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties (1/3 lb.) | $33.99 | 18 | $1.88 |
| Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties (ÂĽ lb.) | $49.99 | 40 | $1.24 |
Several varieties that were sold in 2025 were not available in 2026, including Wagyu, certain Angus and sirloin blends, and sliders at times. Overall, prices increased roughly 25% from 2025, and selection has narrowed.
Price is only part of the decision. These frozen patties differ in cattle breed, beef cut, fat content, and patty size—each affecting flavor, juiciness, and cooking behavior. Below is a guide to what matters when choosing a burger.
What Makes A Good Hamburger?
Breed of Cow
Kirkland patties come from different breeds—Angus, Wagyu, or unspecified breeds. When the package lists a breed, it gives a hint about expected marbling and texture.
Angus
Angus beef typically offers good marbling and a rich, beefy flavor. It often yields tender, juicy burgers with pronounced flavor.
Wagyu
Wagyu, especially grass-fed varieties sold in the U.S., delivers a tender texture and buttery mouthfeel. It tends to be pricier and prized for its melt-in-your-mouth quality rather than nutritional superiority.
Cuts of Beef Used
Ground beef can come from several cuts: chuck, round, sirloin, or blends. Each cut influences flavor and fat level.
Ground Sirloin and Loin:
Leaner and meatier, ground sirloin delivers a steakhouse-like flavor but can be drier if overcooked.
Ground Chuck:
Often used for burgers due to its balanced fat-to-meat ratio and rich flavor. Chuck is a reliable all-purpose choice.
Ground Beef (blends):
These are made from various trimmings and can be fattier or leaner depending on the mix.
Fat Content in Ground Beef
Fat percentage affects juiciness and how patties behave during cooking. By law, ground beef can contain up to 30% fat.
85% lean / 15% fat:
Leaner option that can dry out if overcooked.
80% lean / 20% fat:
A common and practical choice. This ratio strikes a good balance, yielding juicy, flavorful burgers without excessive greasiness.
75% lean / 25% fat:
Higher fat gives more flavor and richness, especially helpful when cooking to higher doneness levels.
Hamburger Patty Size
Quarter-pound (ÂĽ lb.):
A standard size that cooks evenly and fits most buns. Good for quick, consistent results.
Third-pound (â…“ lb.):
Thicker and more substantial, these patty sizes deliver a juicier interior but require slightly longer cooking and temperature checks.
Slider (small):
Ideal for appetizers or small portions. They cook quickly and are great for gatherings.
Costco Frozen Hamburgers Reviews
Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties – OUR BUDGET PICK
These ¼-pound patties are the most affordable option. Made from shank and brisket trimmings, they contain about 25% fat, which gives good flavor but can cause grill flare-ups. They’re slightly thinner than the ⅓-pound patties but still fit buns well.
Flavor-wise they’re straightforward—classic BBQ burger territory. They aren’t gourmet, but they’re a smart budget pick for feeding many people. When broken down by weight, the 40-pack of ¼-pound patties is cheaper per pound than the ⅓-pound box, so you save money if you don’t mind a slightly smaller burger.
Verdict: At roughly $1.24 per burger, this is the best option for stretching your budget at a large gathering.
Kirkland Signature Angus Ground Chuck – OUR FLAVOR PICK (NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE)
These â…“-pound Angus chuck patties contain around 25% fat and deliver the classic, juicy burger experience. They produced more pronounced flavor and juiciness than the leaner options, though the higher fat can cause flare-ups on a grill.
Verdict: Priced around $1.82 per burger when available, this is the best blend of taste, texture, and value—our favorite overall.
Kirkland Signature Ground Sirloin and Loin of Beef Patties – NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
These ⅓-pound patties are leaner, about 15% fat, and have a pronounced, steak-like flavor. They’re meaty and substantial but can feel heavy if you want a quick, casual meal.
Verdict: At about $1.85 per patty, they’re tasty but the priciest of the usual options and better suited for a steakhouse-style burger experience.
Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Slider Patties – NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
Slider patties are typically 2 ounces and cook fast. Costco’s sliders are around 75% lean / 25% fat and work well as appetizers. They benefit from additional seasoning to lift the mild flavor.
Verdict: Approximate cost per slider is around $0.53, making them a smart choice for parties and small bites.
Kirkland Signature 100% Grass-Fed Wagyu Ground Beef Patties – NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
Grass-fed Wagyu is a more expensive, premium option. These â…“-pound patties are tender with a delicate texture and command a higher price. The grass-fed Wagyu profile tends to be leaner and uniquely textured compared with grain-fed alternatives.
Verdict: When available, Wagyu is a texture-focused splurge—expect a luxurious bite rather than a dramatic nutritional advantage.
What Are The Best Burgers To Buy At Costco?
Costco offers solid burger options. Our top overall pick is the Kirkland Signature Angus Ground Chuck for its combination of flavor and juiciness. If you need the best price per patty for feeding many people, the ÂĽ-pound Kirkland Ground Beef Patties are hard to beat.
The Angus Ground Chuck delivers the most classic burger experience—rich, juicy, and satisfying. For 2026, the best value is the blue box of Kirkland Signature Ground Beef Patties at roughly $1.24 per patty if you want to maximize savings.
How Do You Cook Costco Kirkland Burgers
Grilling gives the best results, though oven and air fryer methods are reliable. Follow these simple steps for each method.
On The Grill
- Preheat the grill to medium-high (around 325°F).
- Separate patties and remove paper dividers.
- Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Season the patties and place them on the grill.
- Cook until internal temperature reaches 160°F for well-done (145°F for medium); flip as needed and start checking around 10–12 minutes total depending on thickness.
In The Air Fryer
- Lightly oil both sides of the patties and the basket.
- Air fry at 360°F.
- Flip after 10 minutes, then cook another 2–6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
In The Oven
Oven cooking is straightforward and great for multiple patties:
- Preheat to 425°F.
- Line a sheet pan with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange patties without overlapping and season.
- Bake 10 minutes, flip, then bake another 10 minutes. Add cheese for the last 2 minutes if desired.
The wire rack helps drain grease and keeps patties from sitting in rendered fat. Foil makes cleanup much easier.
The Best Costco Burgers FAQ
Why Is My Costco Hamburger Brown In the Middle?
Meat can appear brown inside due to lack of oxygen exposure; this color change is common and not always a sign of spoilage. Oxygen interacts with myoglobin in meat to create a bright red color, so vacuum-packed or frozen meat may be brown until exposed to air. If the meat smells off or the exterior shows grey or greenish discoloration, discard it.
Does Costco Sell Fresh Burger Patties?
Costco periodically sells fresh patties from brands like Rastelli’s, typically in limited runs during warmer months. Fresh specialty patties can be pricier but are a good option when available. If they aren’t in stock, bulk fresh ground beef is often available so you can form your own patties.
How To Make Frozen Burgers Taste Better
Frozen patties hold up well and can stay fresh for months. Because seasoning can’t be mixed into pre-formed frozen patties, season generously on the surface—about 1½ tablespoons of seasoning per four burgers—sprinkling before and after flipping. Popular choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and steak seasoning. A favorite seasoning blend adds real lift to milder frozen patties.
Choosing the right size and cut matters for both flavor and cost. Knowing the price per patty helps you avoid overpaying, especially when selection and prices change year to year.
The Final Verdict on Costco Burgers
Costco offers options that span budget to premium. The Kirkland Angus Ground Chuck is our flavor favorite when available, and the ¼-pound Kirkland Ground Beef patties are the best value for feeding many people. Watch for rotating inventory and price changes, and always calculate price per patty or per pound to confirm you’re getting a true deal.
If you shop Costco frequently, having quick price comparisons can save time and money when deciding between bulk items and pre-made convenience foods.
What are your favorite Costco burgers? Share your picks in the comments below.
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