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Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a hearty, flavor-packed soup that transforms classic shepherd’s pie ingredients into a warm, soothing bowl. Featuring tender ground meat, garden-fresh vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, this easy-to-make soup is perfect for chilly days and satisfying meals with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
  • Optional: mushrooms, corn, or green beans (1 cup mixed, optional)

Potato Topping

  • 3 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for cheesy topping)

Liquids & Seasoning

  • 4 cups beef broth or stock (gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme
  • 1 tsp fresh or dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Spice

  • Pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables and Meat: Chop the onions, carrots, and garlic into bite-sized pieces. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef or lamb until fully cooked and slightly caramelized for added flavor depth.
  2. Build the Flavor Base: Add the chopped onions and garlic to the browned meat. Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Cook together until fragrant, creating a rich and aromatic foundation.
  3. Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the beef broth and add the chopped carrots and peas. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
  4. Make the Mashed Potato Topping: While the soup simmers, boil the potatoes in salted water until soft, then drain. Mash the potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth. Optionally, stir in shredded cheddar for a cheesy topping.
  5. Combine and Serve: Spoon the mashed potatoes directly into the pot over the soup or ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of mashed potatoes. Optionally, broil briefly to brown the top, or serve as is with garnish.

Notes

  • Use quality broth for deeper flavor, preferably homemade or a high-quality store-bought option.
  • Do not overcook the vegetables; keep carrots and peas slightly firm to retain texture and color.
  • Season in layers, tasting at each stage to avoid over- or under-seasoning.
  • The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
  • For creamier mashed potatoes, add a bit of cream cheese or sour cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: shepherd's pie soup, comforting soup, ground beef soup, mashed potato topping, easy winter soup, one-pot meal, gluten free soup