Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe
Shepherd’s Pie Soup is the ultimate comfort food mash-up: all the hearty flavors of your favorite British casserole, transformed into a creamy, cozy soup that comes together in just one pot. Imagine fragrant morsels of ground lamb or beef mingling with sweet carrots, earthy potatoes, and pops of peas and corn, all swirled into a silky, savory broth you’ll want to savor by the spoonful. This soup is the perfect answer for chilly evenings, family dinners, or anytime you crave something warming, wholesome, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This list of ingredients is refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays an important role in building that signature Shepherd’s Pie richness and color. From tender veggies to aromatic seasonings and creamy finishing touches, everything works together in harmony for a bowlful of pure comfort.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the meat and sauté veggies, giving the soup its savory foundation.
- Ground lamb or ground beef: The heart of Shepherd’s Pie Soup, adding deep, flavorful richness; lamb is classic, but beef works perfectly.
- Onion (diced): Delivers subtle sweetness and aromatic depth with every bite.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a gentle, familiar sharpness that heightens all the other flavors.
- Carrots (peeled and diced): Add gentle sweetness and color, plus extra texture for heartiness.
- Frozen peas: Lend pops of green and a touch of sweetness that feels classic and fresh.
- Corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Brightens the soup with golden color and subtle crunch.
- Tomato paste: Richens the broth and deepens the overall umami flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, savory boost you don’t want to skip—check gluten-free options if needed.
- Beef broth: Forms the meaty, soul-soothing base of Shepherd’s Pie Soup.
- Russet potatoes (peeled and diced): The creamy, comforting backbone of this soup, reminiscent of mashed potato topping.
- Heavy cream: Swirls in richness for luscious texture and subtle dairy sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Melts to smooth out every spoonful with extra velvety flavor.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all those bold and cozy flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth, balancing the soup’s creaminess.
- Dried thyme: Brings an earthy, fragrant note that ties this British classic together.
- Paprika: Just a hint makes the broth warm and gently smoky.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Lively pops of color to finish—don’t forget this final, fresh touch!
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground lamb or beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned all over—about 5 to 6 minutes. Browning here is key: not only does it build the soup’s rich flavor foundation, but it keeps the texture just right. If you see extra fat in the pot, you can drain some for a lighter finish.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once your meat is nicely browned, toss in the onion, garlic, and carrots. Let everything mingle as you sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables will soften, the kitchen will smell wonderful, and all that lovely flavor from the browned meat will start to infuse the mix.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Now, stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. This step is where the depth and the signature taste of Shepherd’s Pie Soup really start to shine. Give everything a good stir and let those spices and seasonings bloom in the heat.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Add Potatoes
With the aromatics in place, pour in the beef broth and increase the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the diced potatoes. Lower the heat to a soft simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. This stage is what transforms the broth into something deeply hearty and satisfying.
Step 5: Stir in Peas and Corn
Next, add the corn and peas to the pot and let them simmer for another 5 minutes. This quick simmer keeps the peas bright green and the corn sweet and tender, so you get a colorful medley in every bowl.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Butter
Reduce the heat to low, then gently stir in the butter and heavy cream. The soup will turn creamy, silky, and totally irresistible. If you like a thicker texture, mash a few potato pieces directly in the pot before you add the cream—a small touch that makes a big, cozy difference!
Step 7: Taste and Serve
Give your Shepherd’s Pie Soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls while piping hot and finish each with a flurry of chopped fresh parsley for bright color and freshness.
How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Garnishes
Just before serving, a scattering of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a light herbal note that cuts through the richness. For a fun twist, you can also top each bowl with a spoonful of buttery mashed potatoes or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. If you’re feeling especially indulgent, a swirl of extra cream makes the soup even more luscious.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with thick, crusty bread or warm, buttery rolls—perfect for dunking and sopping up every last drop. If you’d like to round out the meal with a little something green, a crisp mixed salad or a platter of roasted Brussels sprouts keeps things balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful dinner-party vibe, serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup in mini cast iron skillets or ovenproof mugs, topped with a dollop of mashed potatoes and run briefly under the broiler for a golden finish. If you’re meal-prepping, pack the soup into individual jars for grab-and-go lunches that will make your coworkers jealous!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Shepherd’s Pie Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep happily for up to 4 days. The soup actually deepens in flavor overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers in portions. It will keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir after reheating to revive the creamy texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat Shepherd’s Pie Soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot. If the soup has thickened up in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of water, milk, or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can microwave single servings in a heatproof bowl, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I make Shepherd’s Pie Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground meat for your favorite plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The result is still hearty, flavorful, and just as comforting.
What meat is best for this soup?
Traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb, which gives the soup a rich, classic flavor. However, ground beef is popular and easier to find, making it a fantastic alternative. You can even try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Is Shepherd’s Pie Soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup can be gluten-free! Just double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat-based ingredients. Otherwise, all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Certainly! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything (except for the peas, corn, cream, and butter) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3, stirring in peas, corn, cream, and butter in the last 30 minutes.
How can I make the soup thicker?
For a thicker soup, simply mash some of the tender cooked potatoes directly in the pot before adding the cream or simmer uncovered a bit longer. You can also stir in a dash of instant potato flakes for quick thickening if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving warmth, nostalgia, and the unbeatable flavors of a classic British casserole, you absolutely have to try making this Shepherd’s Pie Soup. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and easy enough for any night of the week. Grab your biggest spoon and get ready for some serious comfort!
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Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting twist on the classic Shepherd’s Pie, this Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a flavorful medley of ground lamb or beef, vegetables, and creamy potatoes in a rich broth. Perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground lamb or ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Veggies and Seasonings:
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Broth and Dairy:
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot, add the ground lamb or beef, and cook until browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add onion, garlic, and carrots, sauté until soft.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Pour in beef broth, add potatoes, and simmer.
- Add Veggies: Stir in corn and peas, cook until tender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in butter and cream until creamy. Adjust seasoning and serve hot garnished with parsley.
Notes
- For a richer soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes in the pot before adding cream.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
