Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Shepherd’s Pie Soup takes the classic flavors of the beloved comfort dish and transforms them into a cozy, hearty soup. This recipe combines tender ground beef or lamb, a medley of vegetables, and a savory broth topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate fusion of soup and casserole, perfect for warming up on chilly days.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional Shepherd’s Pie or just looking for a new way to enjoy comfort food, this soup delivers big on flavor while being easy to prepare. Serve it as a main course with crusty bread, and you have a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.

Get ready to enjoy all the best parts of Shepherd’s Pie in a spoonable, soul-warming format!

2. Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or lamb
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

3. Directions

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

Make the Soup:

1. Brown the meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef or lamb and cook until browned. Remove excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Build the base: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in the beef broth and water. Bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer: Add peas to the soup and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve:

1. Ladle the soup into bowls. Add a dollop of mashed potatoes on top of each bowl. Swirl lightly or let the potatoes sit on top for a “Shepherd’s Pie” effect.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

4. How to Prepare

For a rich flavor, use high-quality beef broth and fresh thyme. The mashed potato topping adds a creamy, satisfying texture, while the hearty soup base provides a rich, savory depth.

To save time, you can use pre-made mashed potatoes or instant mashed potatoes. For an extra touch, sprinkle shredded cheese over the mashed potatoes and broil the bowls briefly before serving.

5. Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

6. Servings

This recipe serves 4 hearty portions.

7. FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious alternative and add a slightly sweet flavor to the dish.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth, replace the meat with lentils, and skip the Worcestershire sauce (or use a vegetarian version).

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store the soup and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and combine when serving.

4. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, the soup base freezes well. However, mashed potatoes don’t freeze as smoothly, so it’s best to make fresh mashed potatoes when ready to serve.

5. What other toppings can I use?
Cheddar cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives are excellent garnishes for this soup.

8. Conclusion

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a comforting and creative twist on a classic dish. With its hearty beef and vegetable base topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this soup offers all the warmth and satisfaction of traditional Shepherd’s Pie in a convenient, one-pot format.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it out, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort and nostalgia!