Today I’m bringing you a bowl of pure comfort. This Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe is everything we adore about the classic casserole but in slurpable, cozy form. Perfect for a chilly evening or when you’re craving something hearty that feels like a warm hug. I promise, this one’s a keeper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Comfort: You get the flavors of Shepherd’s Pie, but with way less effort.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist the creamy mashed potato topping!
- Easy to Make: It’s straightforward, and you can whip it up even on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: The star of the show, bringing a hearty, savory base to the soup.
- Veggies: Onion, carrots, celery, peas, and corn for that classic Shepherd’s Pie vibe.
- Broth: Beef broth gives the soup a rich, robust flavor.
- Seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and paprika add depth and a little zing.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery goodness that tops off the soup perfectly. Use leftovers or make fresh!
- Cheddar Cheese: Because melty cheese makes everything better.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top for color and freshness.
Variations
- Switch the Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for a twist on tradition.
- Veggie Version: Skip the beef and add more hearty veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Spice It Up: A dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne can give it a little kick.
- Extra Creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving for a silky finish.
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat because no one likes greasy soup!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Then, stir in the garlic and let it get fragrant—it’s the secret to building that amazing flavor.
Step 3: Build the Base
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This is where all the magic happens!
Step 4: Add the Peas and Corn
Stir in the frozen peas and corn. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes until the veggies are heated through.
Step 5: Serve with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with a dollop of mashed potatoes, and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese. Watch that cheese melt into gooey goodness—YUM.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Shortcut Mashed Potatoes: Use store-bought mashed potatoes or whip up instant ones if you’re short on time.
- Make It Ahead: The soup base can be made a day in advance and reheated before serving. Just add the mashed potatoes fresh for the best texture.
- Adjust the Thickness: Want it thicker? Mash a few of the veggies right in the pot or let it simmer longer.
How to Serve
- Classic Bowl: Ladle it up and top with mashed potatoes, cheese, and parsley.
- Bread Pairing: Serve with crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls for dunking.
- Party Style: Make mini portions in ramekins and broil the cheese for a bubbly top.
Make Ahead and Storage
- To Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in individual portions. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
- To Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Instant mashed potatoes save time and still taste great in this recipe.
2. How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based meat, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
3. Can I add more veggies?
Yes! Mushrooms, green beans, or zucchini would all work beautifully in this soup.
4. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can sub soy sauce or coconut aminos in a pinch for that umami flavor.
Conclusion
Shepherd’s Pie Soup is everything you love about the classic dish but in a warm, cozy bowl. It’s hearty, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a make-ahead meal, this soup will quickly become a favorite. So grab a spoon and dig in—you won’t regret it!
PrintShepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup takes the hearty, comforting flavors of a classic shepherd’s pie and transforms them into a warm, savory bowl of goodness. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheddar, it’s a cozy meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Soup Base:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables:
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
Toppings:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared separately)
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned, and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. - Add Broth and Seasonings:
Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. - Add Frozen Vegetables:
Stir in the frozen peas and corn. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are heated through. - Prepare the Mashed Potatoes (if not using leftovers):
While the soup is simmering, prepare mashed potatoes according to your favorite recipe, or use store-bought for convenience. - Serve the Soup:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a scoop of mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Leftovers: This soup reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Mashed Potatoes Shortcut: Use instant mashed potatoes or leftover mashed potatoes for a quicker prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 390kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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