Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Shepherd’s Pie Soup takes all the comforting flavors of classic shepherd’s pie and transforms them into a rich, hearty soup. Loaded with ground meat, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. It’s an easy one-pot meal that delivers both nostalgia and flavor in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and hearty – This soup is packed with savory flavors and a creamy texture, making it a perfect meal for cold weather.
- One-pot convenience – Everything comes together in a single pot for easy prep and cleanup.
- Versatile ingredients – You can easily swap out ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Meal-prep friendly – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Classic flavors in a new form – It’s a fun twist on the traditional shepherd’s pie but with the same delicious taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef or lamb
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Peas
- Corn
- Beef broth
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Potatoes
- Milk
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef or lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Stir in the carrots, peas, and corn, then add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a separate pot until fork-tender. Mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir the mashed potatoes into the soup for a creamy, thick consistency.
- Simmer for a few more minutes, then adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Make it dairy-free – Use coconut milk or dairy-free butter in the mashed potatoes.
- Vegetarian version – Swap the ground meat for lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Add more texture – Top each bowl with crispy fried onions or shredded cheese.
- Spice it up – Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Lower carb option – Replace mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
How do I prevent the mashed potatoes from getting too thick in the soup?
If the soup thickens too much, add extra broth or milk while reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be a convenient shortcut, but homemade mashed potatoes provide the best flavor.
What’s the best meat for Shepherd’s Pie Soup?
Ground lamb gives it a traditional flavor, but ground beef works well as a more accessible option.
Can I add cheese to this soup?
Absolutely! Stir in shredded cheddar or parmesan for extra richness.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
What can I serve with Shepherd’s Pie Soup?
Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad pair wonderfully with this hearty soup.
How can I make this soup creamier?
For extra creaminess, mix in some heavy cream or cream cheese before serving.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work great and save time on chopping.
How do I make this soup lower in fat?
Use lean ground meat, reduce the butter, and swap whole milk for a lower-fat alternative.
Conclusion
Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a warm, comforting meal that combines all the best parts of classic shepherd’s pie in a convenient, one-pot dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or simply enjoying a bowl of nostalgia. Try this easy recipe, and you’ll have a new family favorite!
PrintShepherd’s Pie Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish, British
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This cozy Shepherd’s Pie Soup takes all the hearty flavors of the classic dish and transforms them into a rich, comforting bowl of soup. Loaded with seasoned ground beef (or lamb), tender vegetables, and a creamy mashed potato topping, this recipe is perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
-
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or lamb for a traditional version)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 2 tbsp flour (for thickening)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk (or heavy cream)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil diced potatoes in salted water for about 10-12 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Set aside.
-
Make the Soup Base:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Brown the Meat:
- Add ground beef or lamb to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
-
Build the Flavor:
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to blend flavors.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring well to coat everything. Cook for another minute.
-
Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in beef broth and water, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Stir in frozen peas and corn, cooking for another 5 minutes.
-
Add the Creamy Touch:
- Stir in the heavy cream (or milk) and let the soup heat through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
-
Serve & Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a spoonful of mashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch instead of flour.
- For a richer soup: Use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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