Costco Kirkland Ground Beef: Which 10 lb Tube Should You Buy?

If you’re still buying ground beef by the pound at the regular grocery store — where prices can run around $7/lb — it’s time to rethink your strategy. Costco’s Kirkland Signature Ground Beef in 10 lb tubes is one of those bulk buys that actually earns its place in your freezer, not just your cart.

Available at Costco Business Centers and select Costco warehouses, these tubes come in three fat-to-lean ratios: 90/10, 80/20, and 73/27. They’re not all the same, and picking the right one makes a real difference in your cooking — and your budget.

The Three Varieties, Explained

73/27 (73% lean, 27% fat) — This is your burger blend. The higher fat content means more flavor, better browning, and juicier patties on the grill. If you’re firing up the backyard for a summer cookout or feeding a big crowd, this is the one. Fat renders off during cooking, so you’re not eating all 27% — but you are getting that satisfying, rich bite.

80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat) — The all-around workhorse. This is the blend most home cooks reach for, and for good reason: it’s flavorful enough for burgers and tacos, but lean enough that you’re not draining half a cup of grease after browning. For weeknight dinners, meal prep, and large batches of chili or spaghetti sauce, 80/20 is the sweet spot.

90/10 (90% lean, 10% fat) — The lean option. Great for low-fat recipes, stuffed peppers, or anyone watching saturated fat intake. The tradeoff: it can dry out faster if you overcook it, so keep an eye on it. Worth it if nutrition is the priority.

Who This Is Best For

This deal is made for families who cook most nights at home, meal preppers who like to brown a big batch on Sunday and portion it out for the week, and grillers who’d rather not run to the store before every cookout. If you have a chest freezer — which many Southern households do — buying 10 lbs at a time is a no-brainer.

Think about it: a 10 lb tube broken into 1 lb portions gives you roughly 10 future meals’ worth of protein, all purchased at a fraction of per-pound grocery store pricing. Vacuum seal individual portions [AFFILIATE:vacuum_sealer] and they’ll keep well in the freezer for several months.

A Few Things to Keep In Mind

• Availability varies by location. These are carried at Costco Business Centers and select regular warehouses — not every club will have all three varieties in stock at all times. Check your local warehouse before making a special trip.
• You need freezer space. Ten pounds of beef is a commitment. If your freezer is already packed, you’ll want to have a plan before you haul this home.
• No membership, no deal. You’ll need an active Costco membership to shop in-warehouse. [AFFILIATE:costco_membership] If you’re not already a member and you buy beef, chicken, or other proteins regularly, the annual fee tends to pay for itself fast.

The Bottom Line

For most families: go 80/20. It’s the most versatile cut in the lineup and you’ll use it for everything from taco Tuesday to summer smash burgers. If you’re a dedicated griller, grab the 73/27. Watching your macros? The 90/10 has you covered.

Head to your nearest Costco warehouse or Business Center and check current availability. Grab some freezer-safe bags [AFFILIATE:freezer_bags] while you’re at it — portioning this out as soon as you get home makes the whole bulk-buy thing effortless.