If you love the comforting flavors of a classic shepherd’s pie but want something quicker and cozier to enjoy on a chilly day, this Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It blends all the hearty goodness of ground beef, vegetables, and savory herbs with the creamy warmth of mashed potatoes swirled right in, giving you every bit of that beloved cottage dish in a steamy, spoonable form. This soup hits all the right notes—rich, filling, and deliciously satisfying—making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a welcoming meal to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that combine effortlessly to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays an essential role: from the savory beef to the aromatic herbs, and from the vibrant veggies to the creamy mashed potatoes that crown the bowl.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften vegetables beautifully.
- Onion, diced: Brings a mild sweetness and depth of flavor once tender.
- Carrots, diced: Adds color and a natural sweetness that balances the savory components.
- Celery stalks, diced: Provides a subtle crunch and fresh undertone.
- Garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant kick that elevates the soup’s savory profile.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein base that delivers rich, meaty flavor.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a slight tang and richness.
- Beef broth: The flavorful liquid that ties all ingredients together, making the soup lush and comforting.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and bright acidity to balance the richness of beef.
- Frozen peas: Bursts of sweetness and a pop of green color enhance the visual appeal and taste.
- Dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal note that complements the meat perfectly.
- Dried rosemary: Adds a fragrant piney aroma and savory depth.
- Salt and pepper: To season and bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Mashed potatoes: The crowning glory for serving—smooth, creamy, and comforting.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens each spoonful.
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring as needed, until the vegetables are nice and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step softens your base and releases those sweet, savory flavors that become the heart of your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic wakes up the dish with its warm, pungent aroma and will layer nicely with the sweetness of the sautéed veggies.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, stir in the tomato paste, coating the meat to add a rich depth of flavor and a stunning color that makes the soup look as good as it tastes.
Step 4: Build the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth, then stir in the diced tomatoes, frozen peas, dried thyme, and rosemary. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld, creating a satisfying, hearty broth full of complexity.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. This simple step ensures all the flavors sing, from the meaty broth to the fresh herbs and sweet vegetables.
Step 6: Serve with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and crown each with a generous dollop of creamy mashed potatoes. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a bright, herbaceous finish that adds a pop of color and freshness to every spoonful.
How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic presentation with mashed potatoes and parsley is stunning on its own, you can also add a little shredded sharp cheddar or a drizzle of sour cream to amp up the richness. Crispy bacon bits or green onions bring an exciting crunch and extra punch to the dish.
Side Dishes
This soup is quite filling but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every savory drop. A light, crisp green salad on the side helps balance the heartiness and adds a fresh textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for an impressive but easy presentation. You can also layer the mashed potatoes on top and lightly broil them for a golden, crispy finish, adding a bit of that traditional shepherd’s pie charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just keep the mashed potatoes separate if you want to maintain their creamy texture after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you froze the mashed potatoes separately, reheat those in the microwave or on the stove and add them to the soup just before serving to keep that smooth texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this soup. Just be mindful to cook it thoroughly and season generously, as turkey has a milder flavor than beef.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen peas for this soup?
Both work perfectly, but frozen peas are convenient and retain their sweet flavor well. Add them towards the end of simmering to keep their vibrant color and slight pop.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef. Adding smoked paprika or soy sauce can help boost the savory “meaty” flavor for a vegetarian twist.
What’s the best way to make the mashed potatoes for serving?
For best results, use creamy mashed potatoes made with butter and a splash of milk or cream. You want them smooth and rich to complement the soup perfectly.
How spicy is this Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe?
This recipe is not spicy; it’s all about comforting, savory flavors. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté or garnish with hot sauce at the table.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe becomes your go-to comfort meal on those days when you crave something warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy, heartwarming dish that combines all the best parts of shepherd’s pie in a cozy, slurpable soup. Give it a try—you might just find it quickly becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen, perfect for sharing and savoring any time the craving hits.
Print
Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of traditional shepherd’s pie into a warm, flavorful soup. Made with browned ground beef, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this recipe is perfect for a cozy meal any time of year.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- Mashed potatoes, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Add Liquids and Peas: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and add frozen peas. Stir in dried thyme and rosemary. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can prepare mashed potatoes from scratch or use store-bought mashed potatoes for convenience.
- For an extra hearty version, consider stirring in some corn or substituting ground lamb for beef.
- This soup can be reheated and often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the beef broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
