Costco’s shepherd’s pie is one of those warehouse finds that saves a weeknight: a huge tray of savory beef, vegetables and gravy under a thick layer of mashed potatoes, ready to heat and serve. The trouble is, the tray is big, and if you heat it wrong you end up with a hot top and a cold middle.
Below you’ll find how to cook Costco shepherd’s pie in the oven or microwave, how long it keeps, and how to freeze it. If your warehouse is out of stock, I’ve also included my easy copycat recipe so you can make it at home anytime. Jump to the copycat recipe card.
Quick takeaways
- Costco shepherd’s pie is a ready-to-heat meal from the refrigerated deli section, sold by weight in a large family-size tray.
- Always check the cooking instructions printed on your tray first, since Costco can change them.
- As a general guide, a full refrigerated tray needs about 60 to 75 minutes, uncovered, in a 375°F oven.
- Heat it until the center reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- Leftovers keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge, and the pie freezes well.
What Is Costco Shepherd’s Pie?
Costco’s version is a ready-made meal found in the refrigerated deli area, near the other heat-and-eat dishes like lasagna and enchiladas. It has a seasoned ground beef filling with vegetables like peas, carrots and onion in a rich gravy, topped with mashed potatoes. It’s sold by the pound, so the price on each tray varies.
A fun fact: traditional shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, and the beef version is often called cottage pie. In the U.S., most people call both shepherd’s pie, Costco included.
Availability varies by warehouse and season. If you can’t find it, check the Costco app for your local warehouse, ask at the deli counter, or make the copycat version below.
Costco Shepherd’s Pie Cooking Instructions
First, read the label on your tray. It has the official instructions for that batch, and those always win. If the label is missing or hard to read, these general guidelines work well.
Oven (best results)
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the plastic lid and set the tray on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and keep the thin tray steady.
- Bake uncovered for about 60 to 75 minutes for a full tray, until the edges bubble and the potatoes turn golden. If the top browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil.
- Check the very center with an instant-read thermometer. It should read at least 165°F (74°C).
- Let it rest 10 minutes before serving so the gravy thickens.
Heating half a tray or individual portions
Smaller amounts heat faster. Spoon portions into an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F for about 25 to 35 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F.
Microwave (quickest)
The foil tray can’t go in the microwave. Move a serving to a microwave-safe plate, cover it loosely, and heat on high for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring the filling halfway, until steaming hot in the middle. The potatoes won’t brown, but it’s perfect for a quick lunch.
From frozen
For the best texture, thaw a frozen pie in the fridge overnight, then bake as above. To bake from frozen, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F for about 75 minutes, then uncover and bake until the top is golden and the center reaches 165°F. That usually takes another 15 to 20 minutes.
How Long Is Costco Shepherd’s Pie Good For?
- Unopened: keep it refrigerated and cook it by the date on the label.
- Cooked leftovers: refrigerate within 2 hours in an airtight container and eat within 3 to 4 days. When reheating, heat leftovers to 165°F, as the FoodSafety.gov temperature chart recommends.
- Signs it has gone bad: a sour smell, mold or a slimy surface. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can You Freeze Costco Shepherd’s Pie?
Yes, and it’s a great way to handle such a big tray. Freeze it before cooking, by the date on the label, or divide it into meal-size containers. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, label it with the date, and use it within about 3 months for the best taste and texture.
Calories and Nutrition
Calories and nutrition depend on the recipe and serving size, and they’re printed on the label of each tray, so that’s the most accurate place to check. Shepherd’s pie is a hearty dish, and serving it with a green salad or steamed vegetables keeps the meal balanced.
Copycat Costco Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Can’t find it at your warehouse, or want a smaller pan? This homemade version has the same comforting elements: a rich beef and vegetable filling in red wine gravy and a fluffy, buttery mashed potato top. It fits a 9×13-inch dish and serves about 8.
- Make it ahead: assemble the pie, cover and refrigerate up to 1 day, then add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.
- Skip the wine: replace it with more beef broth plus 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar.
- Cheesy top: sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar over the potatoes before baking.
Recipe card
Copycat Costco Shepherd’s Pie
Savory ground beef and vegetables in a red wine gravy under buttery mashed potatoes. A homemade take on the Costco favorite. Makes one 9×13-inch pan.
Prep: 30 min · Cook: 1 hr · Total: 1 hr 30 min · Serves: 8
Ingredients
Mashed potato topping
- 3 lb (1.4 kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
Beef filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 lb (900 g) lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (or more broth)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water 15 to 20 minutes until very tender. Drain and mash with the butter, warm milk and salt.
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the beef 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it up. Drain off excess fat.
- Add the onion and carrots and cook 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste for 1 minute, then the flour for 1 minute.
- Pour in the wine and simmer 2 minutes. Add the broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce and thyme and simmer about 10 minutes, until thick. Stir in the peas and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the filling in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes and rough up the surface with a fork.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top. Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes: For a traditional shepherd’s pie, use ground lamb instead of beef. Leftovers keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
What to Serve with Shepherd’s Pie
Keep the sides simple and fresh: a crisp green salad, roasted green beans, steamed broccoli or crusty bread for the gravy. A bright, vinegary slaw cuts through the richness nicely too.
Costco Shepherd’s Pie FAQs
Is Costco shepherd’s pie fully cooked?
Treat it as a heat-and-serve meal and follow the label. Always heat it until the center reaches 165°F before eating.
Can I cook Costco shepherd’s pie in its tray?
Yes, in the oven. Remove the plastic lid and set the tray on a baking sheet for support. Don’t put the foil tray in the microwave.
Why is the middle still cold?
The tray is deep and heavy, so the center heats last. Keep baking, covered loosely with foil if the top is browning, until a thermometer in the center reads 165°F.
Is Costco shepherd’s pie seasonal?
Availability depends on your warehouse, and deli items rotate. Check the Costco app or ask at the deli counter before you make the trip.
Comfort Food Made Easy
Whether you heat up a tray of Costco shepherd’s pie or bake the copycat from scratch, it’s the kind of cozy dinner that feeds a crowd with leftovers to spare.
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