Introduction
Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Taking all the flavors of traditional shepherd’s pie—savory beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes—and turning it into a hearty, warming soup is perfect for chilly days. When I first tried this recipe, my family instantly fell in love with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Each spoonful is packed with cozy ingredients, and the addition of mashed potatoes and cheese on top makes it irresistible. This soup is simple to make yet so comforting, perfect for family meals or even a special weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 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 cup frozen peas 🟢
- 1 cup frozen corn 🌽
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste 🍅
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme 🌿
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared separately) 🥔
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese 🧀
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the 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 the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Peas and Corn: Stir in the frozen peas and corn. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the soup simmers, prepare the mashed potatoes if you haven’t already. You can use leftover mashed potatoes or quickly whip up a fresh batch.
- Serve with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a scoop of mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
How to Serve
- In individual bowls: Ladle soup into bowls and add a dollop of mashed potatoes on top.
- With a sprinkle of cheddar cheese: Add a generous sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
- Garnished with parsley: Add chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- With crusty bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
- As a main dish: This soup is filling enough to serve as a satisfying main course.
Additional Tips
- Use quality beef broth for a rich and flavorful base.
- Make mashed potatoes ahead to save time during preparation.
- Add herbs to taste: Try adding rosemary or bay leaves for extra depth.
- Adjust seasoning to preference: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Top with extra cheese for a creamier, richer soup.
Recipe Variations
- Turkey Shepherd’s Pie Soup: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and replace ground beef with mushrooms and extra veggies.
- Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie Soup: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese into the soup for added creaminess.
- Herb-Enhanced Soup: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Potato-Free Option: Replace the mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash for a lower-carb variation.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty garlic bread for dipping.
- Garnish with chives or green onions for added freshness.
- Enjoy alongside a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner.
- Add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen without the mashed potatoes. Ladle the soup into freezer-safe containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Add fresh mashed potatoes when ready to serve.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a little extra broth if needed.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A1: Yes, use vegetable broth and replace the beef with mushrooms and extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Q2: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
A2: Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this recipe.
Q3: How do I thicken the soup?
A3: If you prefer a thicker soup, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) during simmering.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables?
A4: Yes, diced potatoes, green beans, or bell peppers make great additions.
Q5: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A5: Definitely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and still tastes delicious in this soup.
Q6: How can I make the soup spicier?
A6: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Q7: Can I freeze this soup?
A7: Yes, just avoid freezing the mashed potatoes. Add fresh mashed potatoes when reheating.
Q8: Do I need to use cheddar cheese?
A8: No, any shredded cheese, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack, works well for topping.
Q9: How long does this soup last in the fridge?
A9: Stored in an airtight container, it will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Q10: Can I use fresh peas and corn instead of frozen?
A10: Yes, fresh peas and corn can be used. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Conclusion
Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of classic shepherd’s pie in a cozy, spoonable form. With its savory beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, this soup is perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or pairing it with a salad and crusty bread, this recipe brings hearty comfort to the table. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and packed with flavor—perfect for family dinners or a relaxing night at home. Enjoy each spoonful of this comforting, delicious soup! 🥣🥔
PrintShepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe 🥣🥔
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup takes the classic comfort food and transforms it into a rich, hearty soup with all the flavors you love—savory beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes in every spoonful! Perfect for cold days or when you’re craving something hearty.
Ingredients
- 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 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared separately)
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Add Peas and Corn: Stir in frozen peas and corn. Simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: Prepare mashed potatoes if you haven’t already.
- Serve with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese: Ladle soup into bowls, top with a scoop of mashed potatoes, grated cheddar cheese, and fresh parsley for garnish.
Notes
Use leftover mashed potatoes for convenience, or prepare fresh while the soup simmers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg