Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a warm and cozy dish that includes all the delicious flavors of the classic pie. Picture tender meat, hearty veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes all in one bowl!
It’s like wrapping yourself in a blanket of flavor! I love making this soup when I’m feeling chilly—it warms me right up and makes everything feel better. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: Ground beef is classic, but lamb gives an authentic shepherd’s pie flavor. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, swap in lentils or mushrooms.
Olive Oil: This is perfect for sautéing, but you could use vegetable or canola oil if that’s what you have on hand. I sometimes use butter for a richer flavor.
Onions & Garlic: These add a great base flavor. If you’re out of fresh, onion powder and garlic powder can work in a pinch, though I recommend fresh for the best taste.
Carrots: They add color and sweetness. You can use other veggies like celery or bell peppers, or even frozen mixed veggies for a quick fix.
Beef Broth: This is key for depth, but in a pinch, any broth (chicken or vegetable) can be used. For a low-sodium version, look for low-sodium broths.
Milk or Cream: Cream makes it extra rich, but milk works just fine. If you need a dairy-free option, use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Ground Meat?
The key to great flavor is properly browning your meat. Here’s how:
- Heat the pot over medium heat and add the olive oil first.
- Once the oil is hot, add the onions and garlic to infuse the oil’s flavor.
- Now add the ground meat. Let it sit without stirring for the first couple of minutes; this helps achieve a nice brown crust.
- After about 5-7 minutes, break it up with a spoon and continue cooking until fully browned.
Remember to drain any excess fat if you use a richer meat like lamb. Keeping it lean can help balance the soup!
Delicious Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (plus fresh sprigs for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Paprika or chili flakes for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for cooking. So in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes. It’s a quick and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This will create a lovely base for your soup!
2. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef or lamb to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until the meat is browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if you’re using a fattier meat.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Next, stir in the diced carrots. Cook them along with the meat for 3-5 minutes, until they start to soften a bit. This adds color and texture to your soup!
4. Season the Soup:
Now, it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything well so that the flavors blend together.
5. Add the Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will help the flavors develop and the soup to thicken slightly.
6. Incorporate the Peas:
After simmering, add the frozen peas to the pot. Let the soup continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes. The peas will warm up and add sweetness!
7. Make It Creamy:
Carefully stir in the milk or cream to give your soup a creamy texture. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. It should be comforting and flavorful!
8. Serve it Up:
Ladle the delicious soup into bowls, and top each serving with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. This is where the classic Shepherd’s Pie aspect comes in!
9. Add Cheese and Garnish (Optional):
If you’d like, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for a bit of heat.
10. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting flavors that remind you of a classic shepherd’s pie, but in a cozy, soupy form!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Lamb?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning, as it can be a bit milder in flavor compared to beef or lamb.
How Do I Store Leftover Shepherd’s Pie Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just remember to leave out the mashed potatoes until you’re ready to serve!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes! You can use lentils or chickpeas instead of meat, vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and a non-dairy milk for creaminess. Don’t forget to amp up the flavors with more seasoning!
Is It Necessary to Make Homemade Mashed Potatoes?
Not at all! Store-bought mashed potatoes work perfectly fine and save you some time. Just make sure they are heated through before adding them to the soup!
