Costco brisket is a highly sought-after item in the meat section, offering a diverse selection in terms of size, USDA grade, and price point. Shoppers can typically find full packer Costco beef brisket, convenient flat cut briskets, and in select locations, even pre-cooked and smoked brisket burnt ends. The opportunity to purchase a whole USDA prime brisket at Costco for an impressive price of around $3.59 per pound is an exceptional deal, though availability may sometimes be limited to choice grade brisket.
🥩 Discovering Costco’s Brisket Selection
Costco’s meat department is renowned for offering some of the best deals, and its beef brisket price per pound often surpasses that of other grocery stores. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a home cook looking to explore slow-cooked beef, understanding the different varieties available can help you make the best choice. Here are the four primary types of Costco brisket you might encounter:
Costco Full Packer Brisket: The Ultimate Value
The full packer brisket, often referred to as a Costco whole brisket, is the complete cut of beef, comprising both the fatty “point” and the leaner “flat” sections. This is consistently the most economical option per pound because you, the home chef, take on the task of trimming and separating the cuts rather than the Costco butcher. These substantial cuts are typically quite large, often weighing between 12 to 20 pounds, necessitating ample freezer space for storage. Despite its size, purchasing a whole brisket offers incredible versatility and significant savings.
For instance, a 15-pound full packer brisket can yield a generous 4-pound flat cut, a flavorful 4-pound point cut (which can be perfect for making homemade ground beef), and a considerable amount of fat. This fat, particularly the fat cap, can be rendered down into tallow, a highly prized cooking fat known for its rich flavor and high smoke point. Amazingly, the overall cost of a whole brisket, even a choice grade, can be less than that of a much smaller, pre-trimmed flat brisket of the same grade. To make the deal even more appealing, it’s not uncommon to find a whole Costco USDA prime brisket at a price comparable to or even below that of choice grade. If you’re seeking the absolute best beef brisket price at Costco and don’t mind embracing your inner butcher, the full packer, found in the fresh meat section, is undoubtedly the superior choice for both value and culinary freedom.
Costco Flat Brisket: Convenience for Every Cook
The flat brisket, sometimes called the “lean” or “first cut,” is the most commonly found brisket in grocery stores. This rectangular cut is highly versatile and is frequently used for smoking, barbecuing, and preparing traditional corned beef. It offers a significant advantage in terms of preparation, as you don’t need to separate the point from the flat before beginning your recipe, making it a less labor-intensive option than the whole packer. This convenience is reflected in the brisket prices at Costco for this cut, which are typically more than double the price per pound compared to the whole brisket. These cuts are also generally smaller, with typical flat briskets at Costco weighing between 5 to 10 pounds. Like the full packer, they come vacuum-sealed, preserving their freshness, although you may still wish to perform some additional fat trimming at home to suit your preferences.
Unlike the whole briskets, which sometimes include prime grades, Costco’s flat briskets are predominantly sold as choice grade. Despite this, they still offer excellent flavor and tenderness when prepared correctly. You can typically locate the flat briskets in the fresh meat section, positioned alongside the whole briskets in the refrigerated display.
Costco Brisket Burnt Ends: A Ready-to-Eat Delicacy
For those times when you crave the rich, smoky flavor of brisket but lack the time for extensive preparation, certain Costco locations occasionally stock Wolf Family Smokehouse Brisket Burnt Ends. These are found in the refrigerated packaged foods section and represent a fully cooked, pre-smoked, and seasoned beef brisket product, often accompanied by a convenient BBQ sauce pouch. Their primary appeal lies in their extreme speed and ease of preparation; simply heat and eat, making them an ideal solution for a quick meal or an effortless appetizer.
However, this level of convenience does come at a premium. Brisket burnt ends are the most expensive way to enjoy Costco brisket per pound, and the packages themselves are relatively small, usually weighing between 1 to 2 pounds. Furthermore, while generally good, the quality can sometimes be inconsistent, with some packages containing more gristly or chewy pieces than others. It’s a convenient indulgence, but one where the price often reflects the minimal effort required.
Seasonal Find: Corned Beef Brisket at Costco
As the calendar turns to March, Costco warehouses typically feature another beloved brisket product: corned beef brisket. This seasonal item is a staple for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations across the United States. Given that most consumers primarily enjoy corned beef during this specific time of year, its availability is limited. If you plan to prepare a traditional St. Patrick’s Day feast, be sure to look for this specialty brisket during its brief seasonal appearance.
➕ Is Costco Brisket Prime or Choice?
Costco offers both Prime and Choice grades of whole brisket, with availability varying by store location and time of visit. At the time of this writing, my local Costco primarily stocked choice beef brisket, though prime beef brisket can often be found on the Costco Business Center website. For flat briskets, Costco typically offers only the choice grade.
USDA Prime is the highest quality beef, superior to choice grade (with select grade being below choice). Prime brisket originates from younger cattle and is characterized by a high degree of intramuscular fat, known as marbling. This marbling melts during the cooking process, resulting in exceptionally tender, juicy, and flavorful brisket. While choice grade also produces very tasty brisket, prime offers an elevated eating experience due to its enhanced tenderness and richness.
How Much Brisket for 10 Adults?
When planning to serve 10 adults, it is advisable to purchase approximately 10 pounds of uncooked brisket. This estimation accounts for the weight lost during cooking and trimming. This amount will typically yield about 5-7 pounds of cooked brisket, ensuring each person receives a generous half-pound portion, which is considered a satisfying serving size for a rich dish like brisket.
🤔 Navigating Brisket Prices at Costco
Understanding the pricing structure of brisket at Costco is crucial for maximizing your savings. While these prices are accurate at the time of writing, they can vary by specific store location and are subject to change based on market conditions and seasonal demand. The table below provides a comprehensive overview of typical prices:
| Type of Brisket | Costco price per pound | Average weight | Average package price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full packer brisket (choice) | $3.59 | 15 lbs | $53.85 |
| Full packer brisket (prime) | $3.59 | 15 lbs | $53.85 |
| Flat brisket (choice) | $7.49 | 8 lbs | $59.92 |
| Brisket burnt ends | $12.99 | 1.5 lbs | $19.49 |
How Much is a 10 lb Brisket?
Based on current pricing, a 10-pound flat brisket at Costco would cost approximately $74.90. In contrast, if you were to consider a 10-pound portion of a whole Costco brisket (full packer), it would cost around $35.90. It’s important to remember that a full packer piece you buy will likely be larger than 10 lbs and will require additional trimming, offering more meat for your money.
Why is Prime Brisket Sometimes Cheaper Than Choice at Costco?
The observation that the Costco prime brisket price can sometimes be cheaper than choice grade brisket, especially the flat cut, is a common point of confusion. This price discrepancy primarily stems from the cut type and the associated labor costs for the butcher. Prime brisket is typically offered as a whole, full packer brisket, which requires less processing and trimming from the Costco butcher. The choice brisket, on the other hand, is also available as a pre-cut flat, which involves additional labor for trimming and separating from the point. Therefore, the higher brisket price at Costco for choice flat cuts often reflects the convenience of a ready-to-cook, pre-trimmed product, rather than a difference in inherent meat quality when comparing grades directly.
🔥 Master Your Costco Brisket: A Simple & Delicious Recipe
Wondering how to transform your **Costco brisket** into a mouth-watering meal? This simple recipe will guide you through creating a tender and flavorful brisket dish. Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need for this delicious preparation:
- 3-4 lb brisket (preferably a flat cut for easier preparation)
- 2½ tablespoons dry rub barbecue seasoning (choose your favorite blend for optimal flavor)
- 2½ cups BBQ sauce (a sweet, tangy, or smoky variety will work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
As previously mentioned, if you purchased a whole brisket, you can break it down into its constituent parts. I personally followed this helpful video to expertly separate the point and flat sections. For this particular recipe, we will be utilizing the flat cut of the brisket.
The point cut from my whole brisket was ingeniously ground into some of the most delicious ground beef I’ve ever tasted using my meat grinder. This freshly ground beef was then vacuum-sealed and frozen, ready for future culinary endeavors. Furthermore, I utilized the substantial fat cap to render beef fat into high-quality tallow, a process that mirrors my detailed instructions for how to make lard. This resourceful approach significantly enhances the overall value of a single brisket purchase.
By breaking down a whole brisket myself, I spent less than I would have on just the flat brisket alone. Moreover, I essentially received four pounds of premium ground beef and high-quality cooking fat (tallow) at no additional cost. This strategy is an exceptionally smart way to maximize savings and get the most value from your beef purchases at Costco, transforming one large cut into a versatile array of ingredients for various meals!
How to Cook Costco Brisket: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these straightforward, step-by-step instructions to cook your Costco brisket to tender perfection:
Begin by generously sprinkling the brisket on all sides with your chosen dry rub barbecue seasoning, ensuring an even coating. Carefully place the seasoned brisket into a large Crockpot. Next, pour the entire amount of barbecue sauce over the brisket, making sure it’s well-covered. Set your slow cooker to the “low” setting and allow it to cook for approximately 8 hours, or until the brisket is incredibly tender and easily shreddable with a fork.
Once the slow cooking is complete, carefully lift the tender brisket out of the Crockpot and transfer it to a metal roasting pan. Drizzle the brisket with olive oil. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast the brisket for an additional 15 minutes. This quick roast will help to caramelize the exterior, creating a delicious crust and adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Finally, using two forks, effortlessly shred the meat directly in the roasting pan. The brisket should be so tender that it falls apart with minimal effort. If you desire a more saucy result, you can incorporate some of the reserved barbecue sauce from the Crockpot back into the shredded meat. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly cooked brisket!
This versatile recipe is ideal for creating a classic Costco brisket sandwich. I used the shredded beef on a slider bun, topped with a generous dollop of coleslaw. The combination is simply irresistible – yum! This brisket is also fantastic served as a main course with your favorite BBQ sides, in tacos, or as a topping for loaded potatoes.
FAQs About Costco Brisket
Does Costco Sell Good Brisket?
Yes, Costco is widely recognized for offering high-quality brisket, which is a key reason many customers maintain their membership. Their meat department consistently provides reliable and well-priced products. Beyond the standard offerings, you might even discover premium options like Wagyu brisket available online, further underscoring Costco’s commitment to quality meat.
Are Costco Briskets Trimmed?
Costco briskets typically undergo some level of trimming before being sold, but the extent of this trimming can vary significantly depending on the cut and packaging. In general, whole briskets (full packers) sold in vacuum-sealed bags will require the most additional trimming at home, giving you full control over the fat cap. Flat cuts, often found in foam-backed, plastic-wrapped packaging, have usually received more attention from the Costco butcher, meaning less trimming may be needed on your part. It’s always a good idea to inspect your brisket and perform any further trimming to achieve your desired fat-to-meat ratio.
Can You Freeze Costco Brisket?
Absolutely, Costco brisket is perfectly suitable for freezing, which is an excellent way to extend its shelf life, especially after purchasing a large whole cut. To prevent freezer burn and maintain the best quality, ensure the brisket is wrapped tightly. Using heavy-duty plastic wrap followed by an outer layer of aluminum foil, or ideally, a vacuum sealer, will provide the best protection and preserve its flavor and texture for several months.
What is the Average Size Brisket at Costco?
The average size of a brisket at Costco can vary depending on the specific cut. Full packer briskets are generally larger, typically ranging from 12 to 20 pounds. Flat cuts, which are pre-trimmed, usually weigh between 5 to 10 pounds. These sizes are ideal for catering to larger gatherings, ensuring you have plenty of delicious meat for everyone, or for enjoying ample leftovers throughout the week.
👩🏻🍳 More Costco Reviews
Hey, Costco fans! If you found this Costco brisket review insightful, don’t stop here. Make the most of your Costco warehouse membership by exploring these other fantastic reviews and recipes:
- How to Cook Costco Pork Belly
- Costco Yakisoba Stir Fry
- Costco Pizza
- Chicken Pot Pie (Costco)
- Costco Sandwiches
- Costco Apple Pie
- Mac and Cheese (Costco)
- Costco Cakes
- Costco Stuffed Peppers
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🎥 Costco Brisket Video
For a visual guide on selecting and preparing your Costco brisket, be sure to watch our accompanying video tutorial!