Homemade Costco Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

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Costco Shepherd’s Pie, you already know how satisfying this classic dish can be. It has all the makings of the perfect comfort meal: seasoned meat, tender veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes that melt into a delicious, cozy bite.

How to make Costco Shepherd’s Pie

Costco Shepherd’s Pie is a ready-made comfort food meal sold in the refrigerated section of Costco’s deli. It’s a large, family-sized version of the classic dish, made for quick oven baking at home.

Ingredients

To recreate Costco Shepherd’s Pie, you’ll need layers of hearty, comforting ingredients.

For the Meat & Veggie Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground lamb for an authentic Shepherd’s Pie)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 medium carrots (diced)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for thickening)

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup milk (or cream for richer mashed potatoes)
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (to sprinkle on top for a cheesy crust)

Optional Add-Ons (to customize):

• 1 cup corn kernels (to mix with the peas and carrots)
• Paprika or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

1. Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them into a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Simmer until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot or a mixing bowl. Mash them until smooth using a potato masher or hand mixer.
3. Add butter, warm milk (or cream), salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix until creamy and fluffy. Set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Meat & Veggie Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and garlic, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. Stir in the ground beef and cook until browned. Break up any clumps with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until the filling thickens slightly.
5. Add the peas (and optional corn) to the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a baking dish (9×13 works well), evenly spread the meat and veggie filling as the bottom layer.
3. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, spreading them evenly into a layer. Use the back of a spoon to create swirls or peaks for texture (this helps the top brown beautifully).
4. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the assembled pie into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The edges should bubble, and the top should develop a golden crust.
2. If you want extra browning on the surface, broil the pie for an additional 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!

Tips for Success

• Get the Right Texture: Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes make the topping irresistible. Consider using a ricer or food mill for ultra-smooth potatoes.
• Customize the Veggies: Costco’s pie typically includes peas and carrots, but feel free to add corn, diced celery, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Season Generously: The tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce are key to building the rich, savory flavor in the meat filling. Taste as you go!
• Cheese Lovers Unite: While Costco’s version doesn’t feature cheese, adding a layer of cheddar or Parmesan takes this dish up a notch.
• Batch Baking: If you’re prepping for a crowd, double the recipe and freeze one batch for later. Shepherd’s Pie freezes beautifully!

What to serve with

Costco Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, flavorful, and filling meal on its own. With its rich meat-and-veggie filling and creamy mashed potato topping, you might think it doesn’t need much else to complete the dish.

a. Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the Costco Shepherd’s Pie. Variations might include:

• Ranch dressing for creaminess.
• Toppings like sunflower seeds or grated carrots for extra crunch.

b. Arugula and Parmesan Salad: The peppery flavor of arugula combined with shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of lemon juice or balsamic glaze works beautifully to cut through the richness of the Costco Shepherd’s Pie.

c. Greek Salad: This Mediterranean-inspired salad, with cucumbers, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a lemon-olive oil dressing, adds a tangy and refreshing element to your plate.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Costco Shepherd’s Pie at home doesn’t mean you have to stick to a rigid list of ingredients.

Substitutes for Ground Meat

Costco Shepherd’s Pie typically uses ground beef, but you can easily swap it for other proteins based on taste, dietary preferences, or availability.

1. Ground Lamb: Lamb is the traditional meat used in Shepherd’s Pie. It has a slightly richer, gamier flavor that works beautifully with the dish’s savory elements.

2. Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, ground turkey or chicken is an excellent substitute. These proteins are mild in flavor, so consider adding additional seasoning (such as garlic, onion powder, or smoked paprika) to enhance the richness of the filling.

3. Plant-Based Meat Alternatives: If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, plant-based ground meat alternatives (like Beyond Meat, Impossible Meat, or textured vegetable protein) work wonderfully. Cook them just as you would regular ground meat.

4. Lentils or Mushrooms (Vegetarian Option): Lentils (brown or green) provide a hearty texture, and chopped or minced mushrooms mimic the umami flavors of meat. Use a combination of both for a filling that’s just as satisfying.

Substitutes for Vegetables in the Filling

Costco’s version includes classic veggies like peas and carrots, but you can substitute or add to the mix based on your preferences.

1. Peas

Substitutes: Chopped green beans, edamame, or diced zucchini can bring a similar sweetness and texture.

Skip peas if you’re avoiding legumes due to allergies or dietary restrictions.

2. Carrots

Substitutes: Parsnips, sweet potatoes, or squash can be used as a replacement for carrots. For a similar crunch, diced celery also works well.

3. Corn (Optional Add-In)

If you’d like a hint of sweetness, corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen) are a great addition. If you need an alternative, try diced bell peppers.

Substitutes for Mashed Potato Topping

If you’re short on potatoes or want to try something different, there are plenty of options for the topping.

1. Sweet Potatoes: Mashed sweet potatoes lend a slightly sweeter and creamier topping. They pair well with both beef and turkey fillings.

2. Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb alternative, mashed cauliflower is light, creamy, and works as a great substitute for potatoes. Add butter or plant-based margarine for richness.

3. Butternut Squash: Roast and mash butternut squash for a vibrant orange topping with a subtle sweetness.

4. Store-Bought Mashed Potatoes: If you’re short on time, grab pre-made mashed potatoes from the grocery store. Look for refrigerated or frozen varieties and season them before use.

5. Polenta or Creamed Corn: Polenta or creamed corn can serve as an unconventional topping, lending a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Substitutes for Tomato Paste in the Filling

Tomato paste adds richness and depth to the meat filling, but there are alternatives if you don’t have any on hand.

1. Tomato Sauce or Crushed Tomatoes: Use 3 tablespoons of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes in place of 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Cook it down to remove excess moisture.

2. Ketchup: Ketchup works as a substitute in a pinch, adding both sweetness and acidity.

3. Red Pepper Paste: If you’re feeling adventurous, red pepper paste can replace tomato paste, lending a slightly smoky flavor to the filling.

Substitutes for Beef Broth

Beef broth enhances the savory flavor of the meat filling, but there are numerous alternatives.

1. Chicken Broth: Chicken broth provides a lighter flavor but still works well in the dish.

2. Vegetable Broth: For vegetarian or vegan versions, vegetable broth adds depth without the use of meat-based stock.

3. Mushroom Broth or Stock: Mushroom stock offers a rich, earthy flavor and pairs beautifully with lentils or mushrooms in vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie.

4. Water + Bouillon: Dissolve a bouillon cube in water if you don’t have ready-made broth. Beef or veggie bouillon cubes both work.

Substitutes for Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce gives the filling a tangy umami kick, but if you’re out—or need a vegetarian alternative—try these options:

1. Soy Sauce or Tamari: Both soy sauce and tamari can be used as substitutes, adding a similar savory depth to the recipe.

2. Coconut Aminos: For a gluten-free and soy-free option, coconut aminos provide the same rich flavor.

3. Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar adds tang and sweetness and works well in place of Worcestershire sauce.

4. Vegan Worcestershire Sauce: Many stores now sell vegan Worcestershire sauce, made without anchovies, to suit plant-based diets.

Substitutes for Milk and Butter

Milk and butter are key for making creamy mashed potatoes, but there are plenty of dairy-free options:

Milk Substitutes:

• Plant-Based Milk: Almond, oat, soy, or cashew milk are great alternatives. Use unsweetened varieties to avoid altering the flavor.
• Broth: Add a splash of broth for moisture instead of milk, especially for savory mashed potatoes.

Butter Substitutes:

• Plant-Based Margarine: Works perfectly as a dairy-free substitute for butter.
• Olive Oil: Use olive oil for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Coconut Oil: Adds creaminess, but keep in mind it has a mild coconut flavor.

Substitutes for Flour as a Thickener

Flour is often used to thicken the filling, but there are other options if you’re gluten-free or don’t have flour:

1. Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: Use 1 teaspoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder for every tablespoon of flour. Dissolve in cold water before adding to the filling.

2. Gluten-Free Flour: Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends work as a direct substitute for regular flour.

3. Mashed Potatoes: Add a dollop of mashed potatoes to thicken the filling naturally.

4. Xanthan Gum: A very small amount of xanthan gum (¼ teaspoon) can thicken the filling without the need for flour or cornstarch.

Final Thoughts

One of the great things about Shepherd’s Pie is its flexibility. Small substitutions can adapt the dish for various dietary needs or bring new flavors to the table.

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