If you love the hearty, comforting flavors of a classic Shepherd’s Pie, you’ll adore this Shepherd’s Pie Soup. This warm, creamy soup brings all the goodness of Shepherd’s Pie—ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes—into a cozy bowl of soup, perfect for a chilly evening. It’s a great way to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite comfort food in a new and delicious form.
What makes this soup so special is its creamy, rich texture, combined with savory ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. This Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a complete meal in a bowl, with all the flavors you love, in a fraction of the time!
Resume of the Recipe
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup features ground beef, carrots, peas, and creamy mashed potatoes, all simmered in a savory broth and finished with a layer of cheese. Ready in under an hour, this soup is a comforting meal that the whole family will love!
With just a few ingredients and simple preparation, this soup is easy to make and full of flavor. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Exciting Story:
The first time I made Shepherd’s Pie Soup, it was after a long, busy day, and I was craving the cozy, comforting flavors of Shepherd’s Pie. However, I didn’t want to spend hours making it, so I decided to turn the classic dish into a soup. As the ground beef simmered with the vegetables and creamy broth, the entire kitchen filled with the most amazing aromas, and I couldn’t wait to taste it.
When I finally dug in, I was blown away by how satisfying and rich the soup was! The creamy mashed potatoes, savory beef, and vegetables blended together perfectly, making it feel just like the comfort food classic in a bowl. This Shepherd’s Pie Soup has since become one of my go-to recipes for weeknight dinners, and it’s always met with rave reviews!
Why This Shepherd’s Pie Soup?
- Hearty and Satisfying: With ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, this soup is a complete, filling meal in a bowl.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this soup is the perfect weeknight dinner for busy nights when you crave something comforting.
- Family-Friendly: With all the classic Shepherd’s Pie flavors, this soup is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and the carrots start to become tender.
- Add the Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth and stir in the frozen peas. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the carrots are fully tender.
- Stir in the Mashed Potatoes: Stir in the mashed potatoes and heavy cream, mixing until the potatoes are fully incorporated into the soup. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
- Season and Serve: Add dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately!
Tips
- Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: This soup is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! If you don’t have leftovers, quickly make mashed potatoes and stir them into the soup.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more mashed potatoes. For a thinner soup, add extra broth or cream.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different Meat: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or lamb for a different flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a vegetarian version.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use low-fat or fat-free milk or cream in place of the heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner version of the soup.
Closing
And there you have it! This Shepherd’s Pie Soup is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl, with all the classic flavors you love in a quicker, easier form. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for the whole family. Don’t forget to let us know how your soup turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more comforting dishes!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving. - Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work just as well for this soup. - What if I don’t have mashed potatoes?
You can use instant mashed potatoes or make fresh mashed potatoes to stir into the soup. - How do I know when the soup is done?
The soup is done when the vegetables are tender, and the mashed potatoes are fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture. - Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the mashed potatoes and cream in the last 30 minutes. - Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes! Add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a little extra heat. - How can I make this soup thicker?
If you want a thicker soup, simply add more mashed potatoes or blend part of the soup with an immersion blender to create a creamier texture. - Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving. - What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad. - How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Skip the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version. - Can I add cheese?
Yes! Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.