Love Shepherd’s Pie but looking for something a little lighter, quicker, and just as comforting? Enter Shepherd’s Pie Soup—all the cozy flavors of the classic dish but transformed into a warm, hearty soup. This recipe is packed with tender ground meat, hearty vegetables, and creamy potatoes, making it the perfect dinner for chilly nights or when you just need a bowl of comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Hearty & Filling: Just like Shepherd’s Pie, but in an easy, spoonable form.
- One Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash and all the flavors come together beautifully.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at what you’ll need (find the full list below):
- Ground beef or lamb for that traditional Shepherd’s Pie flavor.
- Diced carrots, celery, and peas for hearty, nutritious veggies.
- Potatoes, the creamy, comforting star of the dish.
- Beef broth and a splash of cream for a rich, savory base.
Directions
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot, brown the ground beef or lamb until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, cook the onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Build the Base: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and return the cooked meat to the pot.
- Add the Potatoes: Stir in diced potatoes and cook until tender.
- Cream It Up: Add a splash of cream or milk for a silky finish, then season to taste with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese or a dollop of mashed potatoes for a true Shepherd’s Pie experience.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot.
- Layered Topping: Spoon mashed potatoes over individual bowls and broil for a golden crust, mimicking a traditional pie topping.
- Flavor Boost: A splash of red wine or stout beer in the broth adds depth.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for lentils or a plant-based ground alternative.
- Lighter Version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb.
- Cheesy Delight: Stir shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the soup for extra richness.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair this Shepherd’s Pie Soup with:
- A slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.
- A light green salad to balance the hearty soup.
- A cozy blanket and your favorite TV show—it’s that kind of meal!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
2. Can I use instant mashed potatoes for garnish?
Absolutely! It’s a quick and easy way to get that traditional Shepherd’s Pie feel.
3. How do I make it dairy-free?
Replace the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, and skip the cheese garnish.
4. What herbs work best in this soup?
Thyme and parsley are classics, but rosemary adds a lovely, earthy flavor.
Conclusion
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup takes all the best parts of a beloved classic and turns it into a warm, comforting bowl of goodness. It’s perfect for cold weather, busy nights, or when you just need a little extra comfort. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cozy meal!
Print
Shepherd’s Pie Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup takes all the comforting flavors of the classic Shepherd’s Pie and transforms them into a hearty, warming soup. Packed with ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, this soup is the perfect cozy meal for any time of year
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Brown the ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Potatoes: While the soup is simmering, cook the diced potatoes in a separate pot of salted water for about 10 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and mash with a fork or potato masher. Stir in the heavy cream for a creamy texture.
- Add Peas and Combine: Stir the frozen peas into the soup and cook for 5 more minutes until heated through. Once the soup is ready, stir in the mashed potatoes to give it that creamy, comforting consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Variations: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or add extra vegetables like corn or green beans for more texture.
- Make it Extra Creamy: For a creamier soup, add more heavy cream or use half-and-half instead of broth.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well—just freeze the soup without the mashed potatoes. When reheating, add fresh mashed potatoes to keep the texture perfect.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg