This Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a warm and hearty dish, packed with ground meat, veggies, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s like your favorite pie, but in a cozy bowl!
Who wouldn’t love a twist on a classic? I like to serve it with fresh bread for dipping. Trust me, it makes the tastiness even better! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: For this recipe, I prefer ground beef for its rich flavor, but lamb gives an authentic touch. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too!
Onion: A medium onion is great for flavor. If you’re in a hurry, shallots or leeks could serve as quick replacements. They have milder flavors but still add a nice depth.
Carrots and Potatoes: Carrots give sweetness while potatoes add heartiness. Sweet potatoes can replace regular potatoes for a different texture and flavor, while parsnips can also be an interesting twist.
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is fantastic, but store-bought works too. For a lighter version, vegetable broth is an excellent swap, keeping the dish veggie-friendly!
Milk or Heavy Cream: If you’re looking to cut calories, opt for whole milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat. Coconut milk offers a unique flavor if you want something creamy without dairy.
How Do I Thicken My Soup Without Clumping?
For a creamy soup that isn’t clumpy, sprinkling flour is a great technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- After cooking the meat and veggies, take the pot off heat to prevent clumps.
- Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and stir well to coat everything.
- Gradually add the broth while continuously stirring to help dissolve the flour and incorporate it smoothly into the soup.
This will ensure a thickening agent is mixed in well without any lumps. Always stir well as you add your liquid!
What’s the Best Way to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes are the perfect topping! Here’s how to get them creamy:
- Boil peeled and diced potatoes until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and return to the pot. Let them steam for a minute to release extra moisture.
- Add butter, milk or cream, and season with salt and pepper.
- Use a potato masher for a rustic texture or a ricer for ultra-creamy potatoes. Mix gently to combine!
Making them this way keeps them fluffy and rich. Don’t forget to taste as you mix!
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
For Topping:
- Mashed potatoes (about 2 cups)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to cook. You’ll spend some time sautéing and simmering, making sure all the flavors blend beautifully. In total, you’re looking at about 50 minutes from start to finish, making it a great dish for any weekday dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, until they are softened and smell fantastic. This is the flavor foundation!
2. Brown the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef or lamb to the pot. Cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as you go. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off for a leaner soup.
3. Add the Vegetables:
Toss in the diced carrots and potatoes. Cook these for about 5 minutes to help them start softening before adding more liquids. This step adds delicious texture!
4. Mix in the Flavor:
Now it’s time to add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to make sure the meat and veggies are coated evenly with these tasty flavors.
5. Optional Thickening:
If you want a thicker consistency, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine. This will help thicken your soup as it cooks.
6. Simmer It Down:
Pour in the beef broth, bringing everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and flavorful.
7. Add Peas and Continue Cooking:
Stir in the frozen peas and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, just until the peas are heated through.
8. Create Creaminess:
Lower the heat and then stir in the milk or heavy cream. This is where the soup gets its creamy texture! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.
9. Serve It Up:
Remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls, and top generously with a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. This gives a plush and comforting finish to your soup.
10. Optional Cheese Delight:
If desired, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of deliciousness!
11. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, add a pinch of dried or fresh thyme as a garnish. Serve warm with a biscuit or crusty bread, and enjoy your hearty Shepherd’s Pie Soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Lamb?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that it may be slightly less flavorful, so consider adding a bit more seasoning or herbs to enhance the taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Shepherd’s Pie Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe bags or containers. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer!
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor. Just remember that this will change the overall taste, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I Make the Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Adding a little splash of milk can help restore their creamy texture!
