Takeout used to feel like a treat. Now it feels like a budget breaker. A single pizza delivery can cost $30, and a family order from DoorDash can easily hit $60–$80.

The good news? You can build easy assembly dinners from BJ’s that taste just as good—without standing over the stove or spending restaurant prices. These are not recipes. They’re open-and-serve meal ideas using deli, freezer, and prepared foods from BJ’s (with swaps for Sam’s Club, Costco, Aldi, and Walmart).

Every meal below comes in around $4–$6 per plate, which is less than half the cost of takeout.

*Need a deal on a BJ’s membership? Grab one here.

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1. Rotisserie Chicken + Sides Night

Why this works: It feels homemade, but BJ’s already did the cooking.

Grab at BJ’s

• Rotisserie chicken
• Bagged salad kit
• Mac & cheese tub or mashed potatoes
• Dinner rolls

Real-life cost: about $18–$22 total → feeds 4–5
Takeout comparison: $50+ for a chicken family meal

Make it stretch

• Leftover chicken → wraps or chicken salad
• Toss extra chicken into soup or pasta the next day

Other store swaps

• Aldi: Red Bag Chicken + salad kit
• Walmart: Marketside sides
• Sam’s: Member’s Mark rotisserie chicken

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2. Deli Pizza + Caesar Kit

Why this works: One box, zero effort.

Grab at BJ’s

• Deli fresh pizza
• Caesar salad kit
• Fruit tray or bagged apples

Cost: around $15–$18 → feeds 4–6
Takeout comparison: $30–$40 for two pizzas delivered

Upgrade ideas

• Add pepperoni from the deli
• Warm garlic knots from the bakery
• Keep leftover slices for lunchboxes

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3. Frozen Lasagna Spread

Why this works: The freezer section is your secret weapon.

Grab at BJ’s

• Frozen family-size lasagna
• Garlic bread
• Steam-in-bag vegetables

Cost: $16–$20 total → feeds 5–6
Takeout comparison: $60+ at an Italian restaurant

Other store versions

• Sam’s Club: Member’s Mark lasagna
• Costco: Kirkland lasagna
• Walmart: Stouffer’s family size

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4. Taco Assembly Bar

Why this works: Everyone builds their own plate—no complaints.

Grab at BJ’s

• Pulled chicken or beef
• Tortillas
• Shredded cheese
• Salsa or guacamole
• Salad kit as a topping shortcut

Cost: about $20 → feeds 5
Takeout comparison: $45+ for fast-casual tacos

Time saver: Warm the meat, set everything out, done.

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5. Sub Sandwich Night

Why this works: Deli > delivery.

Grab at BJ’s

• Deli meat variety pack
• Sliced cheese
• Bakery rolls
• Chips or veggie tray
• Pickles

Cost: $18–$22 → feeds 4–5
Takeout comparison: $45+ from a sub shop

Lunchbox bonus: Tomorrow’s lunches are already made.

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6. Breakfast for Dinner

Why this works: Kids love it and it’s incredibly cheap.

Grab at BJ’s

• Frozen pancakes or waffles
• Sausage links or bacon
• Fruit
• Orange juice

Cost: around $12–$15 → feeds 4
Takeout comparison: $40+ at a diner

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When Takeout Actually Makes Sense

Not every night needs to be a warehouse meal. Takeout can be worth it when:

• You only need 1–2 servings
• There are good coupons or app deals
• You’re craving something very specific
• You have zero fridge space for bulk

The goal isn’t to never order out—it’s to have easy alternatives ready so takeout becomes a choice, not a default.

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Tips to Make Bulk Meals Work

• Split before storing: Divide big trays into two dinners
• Freeze half immediately to avoid waste
• Rotate “assembly nights” twice a week
• Keep a “backup dinner shelf” with pizza, lasagna, and salad kits

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Feeding a family doesn’t require fancy recipes—just smart shortcuts. Warehouse clubs like BJ’s, Sam’s, and Costco make it possible to put dinner on the table for less than the cost of one delivery fee.