Yes, Costco does still sell shepherd’s pie at many of its warehouse locations. Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food dish consisting of ground meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes. It’s a popular ready-to-eat meal option that Costco has carried for years.
What is Shepherd’s Pie?
Shepherd’s pie originated in England and is traditionally made with lamb or mutton as the meat component. The ground meat is cooked with onions, carrots, peas, and other vegetables, then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes before baking. The mashed potato topping helps keep the meat filling warm and gives the dish its distinctive look.
While the classic version uses lamb, beef and other meats are also commonly used. The name “shepherd’s pie” is used regardless of the type of meat. When made specifically with beef, it may also be called cottage pie.
Costco’s Shepherd’s Pie
Costco carries a version called Shepherd’s Pie made by Marie Callender’s, a popular frozen food and pie brand. It’s sold in a 2-pack of 16-oz entrees. The Costco shepherd’s pie is made with beef, not lamb.
The filling consists of ground beef, carrots, peas, and corn topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Each pie provides a hearty 375 calories per serving. Like most Costco frozen items, this shepherd’s pie is meant to be reheated at home until hot and bubbly.
Availability in Warehouses
The availability of shepherd’s pie at Costco can vary across different warehouse locations and times of year. It is considered a seasonal item that Costco restocks at certain times.
According to Costco’s website, as of October 2022, shepherd’s pie is currently in stock at many, but not all, Costco warehouses. Availability depends on the individual store’s inventory.
When in stock, it can typically be found in the freezer section with other frozen prepared meals and side dishes.
Alternatives at Costco
If your local Costco does not have shepherd’s pie in stock, some similar alternatives to consider are:
- Beef pot pie
- Chicken pot pie
- Turkey pot pie
- Meatloaf with mashed potatoes
- Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes
Checking the menus of Costco’s food court and deli can also reveal options like meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
How to Buy
When shopping at Costco, you do not need a membership to purchase alcohol or pharmacy items. However, a Costco membership is required to purchase all other products like shepherd’s pie.
Memberships start at $60 per year for a Gold Star membership. Costco also offers an Executive membership for $120 per year that provides additional perks like an annual 2% reward on purchases.
Ways to Save
There are a few different ways to save money when purchasing shepherd’s pie from Costco:
- Look for coupons and rebates. Costco periodically offers $3 to $5 off coupons for certain frozen food items.
- Watch for sales or bulk discounts when buying multiple.
- Split larger packages with friends or family to take advantage of bulk pricing.
- Use your Costco Executive 2% reward.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition facts for Costco’s Marie Callender’s shepherd’s pie per 1/2 package (8 oz) serving are:
| Calories | 380 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 17g |
| Sodium | 730mg |
| Total Carbs | 38g |
| Protein | 19g |
Recipe to Make Your Own
You can also easily make tasty shepherd’s pie at home. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook ground beef and onion in skillet until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add carrots, peas, salt and pepper. Cook for 5 more minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Transfer beef mixture to a 9×13 baking dish.
- Mix mashed potatoes and milk. Spread evenly on top of meat mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Shepherd’s pie is certainly still available from Costco for purchase during certain times of year. While seasonal, it remains a popular item that Costco brings back. Be sure to check your local warehouse freezer section to see if it is currently in stock. With a Costco membership, you can enjoy convenient shepherd’s pie ready to heat and serve or find alternative dishes like pot pies and meatloaf meals.
