Warm up with a cozy bowl of Shepherd’s Pie Soup! This hearty twist on the classic Shepherd’s Pie dish is perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with savory flavors from ground beef or lamb, vegetables, and creamy potatoes, it’s a filling and comforting meal that the whole family will love.
Why Make This Recipe
Shepherd’s Pie Soup offers everything you love about the classic Shepherd’s Pie in a fun, easy-to-enjoy soup form. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that combines protein, vegetables, and creamy potatoes in a savory broth. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to impress your guests. Plus, it’s versatile—use beef, lamb, or even a mix of veggies to suit your preferences. It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel right at home.
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or ground lamb
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup half-and-half or milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Toasted bread bites
Directions:
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir them around and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they soften and start to become fragrant. Season the mixture with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste, allowing the herbs and spices to infuse the veggies with flavor.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the beef broth and add the diced potatoes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and soft enough to mash slightly.
- Add Peas and Corn: Stir in the frozen peas and corn, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. The vegetables will thaw and warm through, adding sweetness and texture to the soup.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in the half-and-half or milk, bringing some creaminess to the soup. If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and add it to the soup, stirring until the soup thickens to your liking.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and top each one with a generous dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of crumbled bacon, and a pinch of fresh chives or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. For an extra crunch, serve with toasted bread bites on the side or sprinkle them on top.
Serve this Shepherd’s Pie Soup hot, and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors that come together in every spoonful!
How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Shepherd’s Pie Soup is best served hot, making it the perfect choice for a chilly evening. You can serve it in individual bowls, topped with a dollop of sour cream for richness, crumbled bacon for added flavor, and fresh chives or parsley for a pop of freshness. Don’t forget a side of crispy toasted bread bites, which can be used to scoop up the delicious soup or added as a topping for extra crunch.
How to Store Shepherd’s Pie Soup
If you have any leftovers, store Shepherd’s Pie Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through. If using the microwave, heat in intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. The soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup
- For a thicker soup: If you like your soup a little thicker, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup. This will give it a velvety, creamy consistency.
- Use fresh vegetables: If you prefer, you can swap out frozen peas and corn for fresh vegetables. Just chop them into small pieces and add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust seasonings: Depending on your preference, you can add more herbs like sage, bay leaves, or parsley for extra flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking for a more personalized taste.
- For extra protein: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or even turkey bacon for a variation of the soup. The more protein, the heartier the meal!
Variation
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version of Shepherd’s Pie Soup. Vegetable broth can be used in place of beef broth for a lighter taste.
- Different Potatoes: Feel free to swap out russet potatoes for Yukon Gold or red potatoes, which will give the soup a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Spicy Version: For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or lamb?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter version of the soup. - Can I make Shepherd’s Pie Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated when you’re ready to eat. - Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, Shepherd’s Pie Soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. - Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas and corn can easily replace the frozen ones, or you can add in other fresh vegetables like green beans or zucchini. - Do I have to use bacon?
If you prefer a lighter version or don’t eat bacon, feel free to leave it out or swap it for turkey bacon for a lower-fat option. - Can I add cheese to the soup?
Yes, shredded cheddar or Parmesan can be added for extra flavor and creaminess. - How do I know when the potatoes are done?
When the potatoes are fork-tender and easy to break apart with a spoon, they’re ready to go. - Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer them to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cream and cornstarch towards the end to thicken. - Can I use non-dairy milk?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, or coconut milk are great non-dairy alternatives for the half-and-half. - Can I make this spicier?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to suit your heat preference. - Can I add more protein?
Yes! You can add cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage to boost the protein content of the soup. - How long does it take to cook?
It takes about 30-40 minutes to prepare and cook Shepherd’s Pie Soup, depending on how quickly the potatoes cook. - Can I use a different kind of broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute if you want to make a vegetarian version. - What’s the best way to serve the soup?
Serve with a dollop of sour cream, crumbled bacon, and fresh herbs. Add crispy toasted bread on the side or even as a topping. -
Can I make this soup thicker?
If you like your soup thicker, just add the cornstarch slurry as described in the directions, or mash some of the potatoes in the soup to naturally thicken it up.