Cozy Shepherds Pie Soup Recipe: A Hearty Winter Comfort Bowl
Comfort meets creativity in this hearty shepherds pie soup that reimagines a classic dish.
Cozy bowls of warmth await with each spoonful of meaty goodness.
Tender lamb mingles with soft vegetables in a rich, velvety broth.
Potatoes add a creamy dimension that echoes the traditional casserole’s beloved spirit.
Herbs and seasonings dance together, creating layers of deep, satisfying flavor.
Small touches of rosemary and thyme bring an aromatic depth to every bite.
We crafted this recipe to make you feel like you’re hugging a delicious memory.
Follow along and turn your kitchen into a celebration of rustic, soul-warming cuisine.
FAQs
You can substitute ground lamb with ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.
The recipe contains flour, which makes it not gluten-free. You can replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or diced bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and boost the vegetable content of the soup.
Yes, you can make the soup base and mashed potatoes separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and combine just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Comforting Shepherds Pie Soup Guide
Ingredients Needed For Shepherds Pie Soup
For the Meat:For the Vegetables:For the Herbs and Seasonings:For the Liquid Base:For the Mashed Potato Topping:For the Optional Garnishes:For the Cooking Fats:How To Make Shepherds Pie Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef or lamb and cook until deeply browned, breaking it into small crumbles.
Drain any excess fat from the meat to keep the soup light and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base
Toss these ingredients into the pot:Cook the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aromatic essence.
Step 3: Build Soup Foundation
Introduce these flavor-enhancing ingredients:Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Let the soup bubble softly for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and meld together.
Step 4: Add Comfort Vegetables
Stir in frozen peas and corn.
If you want a thicker consistency, whisk a bit of flour into a small amount of broth, then blend back into the pot. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Potatoes
Boil chopped potatoes in salted water until they’re fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain and mash with milk or cream and butter until smooth and cloud-like. Season with salt and pepper for extra depth.
Step 6: Create Soup Masterpiece
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Crown each serving with a generous dollop of mashed potatoes.
Gently swirl the potatoes into the soup, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 7: Final Flourish
Optional but delightful garnishes:Serve immediately and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.
Helpful Tips For Shepherds Pie Soup
Flavorful Twists For Shepherds Pie Soup
Great Pairings For Shepherds Pie Soup
Proper Storage Advice For Shepherds Pie Soup
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Shepherds Pie Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Hearty shepherd’s pie soup blends traditional Irish comfort with modern culinary creativity. Creamy potato base and savory ground lamb create a soul-warming dish you’ll crave during chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground lamb
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground meat over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles and draining excess fat, creating a rich base for the soup.
- Introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery to the pot, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their aromatic flavors, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly, then add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Pour beef broth into the mixture, bringing to a gentle simmer and allowing ingredients to meld together for 15-20 minutes, developing deep, complex flavors.
- Mix in frozen peas and corn, whisking flour with a small portion of broth to create a slight thickening effect if desired. Simmer an additional 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil chopped potatoes in salted water until tender, approximately 15 minutes. Drain and mash with milk, cream, and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Carefully ladle soup into serving bowls, topping each portion with a generous dollop of mashed potatoes, gently swirling to integrate the layers.
- Finish by garnishing with optional toppings like chopped parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon crumbles for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Swap ground meat for plant-based alternatives like lentils or Beyond Meat to create a vegetarian version that’s equally hearty and satisfying.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a nutrient-dense twist that adds extra vitamins and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and controlling salt levels during cooking, making this comforting soup more heart-friendly.
- Thicken the soup with pureed root vegetables like parsnips or cauliflower for a smoother texture and added nutritional complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Jack Monroe
Founder & Recipe Innovator
Expertise
Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​
Education
Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education
Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.