Shepherds Pie Soup – Hearty and Easy Comfort Food
If you love the cozy flavors of shepherds pie but want something quicker and less fussy, this Shepherds Pie Soup is your perfect solution. It captures the savory, hearty taste of the classic dish in a warming bowl that’s easy to whip up on a weeknight.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is packed with rich ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, all combined into one comforting soup. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for cold evenings or whenever you crave a filling meal. Plus, it’s versatile and easy to customize!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb (substitute ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups carrots, diced (can use frozen)
- 2 cups celery, diced
- 3 cups beef broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (can omit for gluten-free)
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from scratch or store-bought)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef or lamb and brown until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in carrots, celery, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook until the vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous scoop of warm mashed potatoes.
Expert Tips
- For extra creaminess, stir a little sour cream or cream cheese into the mashed potatoes before topping the soup.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked vegetables in the pot with a potato masher.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce or omit it entirely.
- Prepare the meat and vegetables ahead, then assemble and warm the soup just before serving.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Storage
Store leftover Shepherds Pie Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The mashed potato topping is best stored separately. For longer storage, freeze the soup (without potatoes) for up to 3 months. Reheat gently and add fresh mashed potatoes when serving.
Variations
- Vegan: Swap ground meat for plant-based crumbles, use vegetable broth, and top with mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or vegan butter and dairy-free mashed potatoes made with plant milk.
- Low-Carb: Replace mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower or turnips.
FAQ
- Can I make Shepherds Pie Soup ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the soup one day ahead and store it in the fridge. Add the mashed potatoes fresh when serving to keep the best texture.
- What’s the best meat for Shepherds Pie Soup?
- Traditionally lamb is used, but ground beef is equally delicious and more widely available. Ground turkey can also be used for a leaner option.
- How do I reheat leftover Shepherds Pie Soup?
- Warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add the mashed potatoes just before serving.
- Is Shepherds Pie Soup nutritious?
- This soup is a hearty source of protein and vegetables, making it a balanced comfort meal.
- Does this recipe contain the exact Shepherds Pie Soup keyword?
- Yes, the recipe and article naturally use the term “Shepherds Pie Soup” multiple times for clarity and SEO.
Call to Action
If you try this Shepherds Pie Soup, please leave a comment below telling us how it turned out! Rate the recipe, save it for later, and share with friends who love comfort food. For more cozy meals, check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners and Comfort Food Recipes. For cooking tips and inspiration, visit Food Network.