This Delicious Shepherd’s Pie Inspired Soup is like a cozy hug in a bowl, packed with all the comforting flavors you love about shepherd’s pie but in an easy-to-sip form. It’s loaded with hearty veggies, tender ground meat, and creamy potatoes swirled right into the broth. The mix of textures and the rich taste make it a perfect, filling meal on chilly days.
I love making this soup when I want the taste of a classic comfort food without the extra prep time. It’s one of those recipes where everything comes together quickly, but it still tastes like you’ve been simmering it for hours. A little tip I like to share is to mash some of the potatoes right in the soup to thicken it up and create that cozy shepherd’s pie feel.
When I serve this soup, I usually add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top and a side of crusty bread for dipping. It always makes for a lovely, relaxed dinner that friends and family can enjoy together. This soup reminds me of those simple, happy nights when comfort food just hits the spot perfectly.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef or lamb: I like ground beef for a classic taste, but ground lamb adds a rich, traditional flavor. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Vegetables: Carrots, peas, corn, and green beans give this soup that shepherd’s pie vibe. Frozen veggies are convenient and keep well. Feel free to swap with fresh or any favorites like mushrooms or celery.
Mashed potatoes: This topping is important for creaminess. Homemade mashed potatoes give the best flavor, but instant mashed potatoes or leftover mashed potatoes work fine if pressed for time.
Beef broth: This builds the soup’s base flavor. If you want a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and swap meat for lentils or mushrooms.
Cheddar cheese: This adds a nice, melty touch. You can replace it with mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese if preferred.
How Do I Get the Soup Thick and Cozy Like Shepherd’s Pie?
Thickening the soup is key to that comforting texture. Here’s what I do:
- Make a slurry: Whisk the flour with cold water or broth until smooth. This helps prevent lumps.
- Gradually stir the slurry into simmering soup and keep stirring to avoid clumps.
- Simmer for 5 minutes or until you see the soup thicken nicely.
If you prefer, you can mash a few chunks of cooked potato directly in the soup. This naturally thickens it and adds extra comfort.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for cooking the soup evenly and holding all the ingredients comfortably.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring without scratching your pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredient amounts spot on.
- Whisk – ideal for mixing the flour slurry smoothly without lumps.
- Potato masher – handy if you want to mash some potatoes directly in the soup for thickness.
- Oven-safe bowls or ramekins (optional) – if you want to broil the cheese topping for a melty finish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground lamb for beef for a more traditional shepherd’s pie taste.
- Add mushrooms when cooking the meat for an earthy twist and extra texture.
- Use sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor and vibrant color.
- For a vegetarian version, swap meat with lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Delicious Shepherd’s Pie Inspired Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup frozen green beans, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared or homemade)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup water or additional broth (for slurry)
- 2 tbsp butter or oil for sautéing
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 25 minutes to cook, with an optional 2-3 minutes to broil the cheesy topping. Overall, you can enjoy this hearty, delicious soup in just about 40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the butter or oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat and Add Veggies:
Add ground beef or lamb, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Next, stir in the diced carrots and frozen peas, corn, and green beans. Cook for about 3-4 minutes to soften the veggies slightly.
3. Add Flavorings and Broth:
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary. Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Thicken the Soup:
Mix the flour with water or broth to create a smooth slurry. Gradually stir this into the soup, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the soup thickens nicely.
5. Serve with Mashed Potato Topping:
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a generous layer of mashed potatoes. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
6. Optional Broiling:
Place bowls under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Be sure to watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Add fresh parsley if you like and serve the soup hot, ideally with crusty bread on the side.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Meat for This Soup?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the ground meat in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and cook safely.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup and cool it completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to keep the texture smooth.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover soup in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat over low to medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Can I Substitute the Mashed Potato Topping?
Yes! You can swap mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes for a different twist. Just adjust cooking times if you prepare them from scratch.