This Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a cozy twist on the classic dish! It features ground meat, veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes, all in a warm and hearty broth.
It’s like having your favorite comfort food in a bowl! I love to top mine with extra cheese for a little indulgence, because who doesn’t enjoy more cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Traditional Shepherd’s Pie often uses lamb. If you’re aiming for a classic flavor, go for ground lamb. Otherwise, ground beef is a great choice. Turkey or chicken can also work for a leaner option.
Potatoes: For creamy texture, use russet potatoes. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-peeled potatoes. Sweet potatoes are a fun substitute – they add a unique sweetness and color!
Vegetables: Carrots and celery are key for flavor. You can swap in other veggies like green beans or corn. Just adjust the cooking time for softer vegetables.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese brings a nice richness, but feel free to substitute with mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese if you prefer. It’ll still taste great!
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works just fine. For a lighter soup, consider vegetable broth or chicken broth for a different flavor base.
How Can I Properly Brown Ground Beef?
Browned ground beef adds depth to the soup. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium heat to avoid burning. This helps render the fat and develop flavor.
- Break up the beef with a spoon into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly.
- Cook until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush – the browning process matters!
Optional: Drain excess fat if it looks greasy. This keeps your soup from becoming too oily.
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or lamb for a traditional approach)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 4 cups beef broth (or stock)
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For Topping:
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Shepherd’s Pie Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish. That’s pretty quick for a cozy, filling meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
First, heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is nice and soft. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until you can smell that lovely garlic aroma!
2. Cook the Ground Meat:
Next, add the ground beef (or lamb) to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be browned and fully cooked. If there’s any extra fat, carefully drain it off.
3. Add the Veggies:
Now, it’s time to stir in the diced carrots and celery. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften up a bit. This will add lots of flavor!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Time to add the cubed potatoes along with the beef broth, water, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Stir everything together so it’s well mixed.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring your soup to a boil, then reduce the heat so that it gently simmers. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes until the potatoes and other vegetables are tender.
6. Final Touches:
Once the veggies are nice and tender, stir in the frozen peas and let everything cook for another 5 minutes. Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to serve your warm, hearty Shepherd’s Pie Soup! Ladle it into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. If you like, warm up some biscuits or crusty bread to enjoy on the side. Dig in and enjoy your comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Vegetables in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh carrots, celery, and peas. Just add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to ensure they don’t get too soft.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand while freezing!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add extra vegetables for more flavor!
How Can I Make This Soup Creamier?
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup to create a thicker consistency!
