This Shepherd’s Pie Soup is like a cozy hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tender meat, veggies, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes that make it super smooth and comforting.
Sometimes, I like to pretend I’m a chef in a fancy restaurant when I serve this. 😂 And the best part? You can enjoy all the flavors of Shepherd’s Pie without the hassle of pie crust!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Lamb: Both meats add richness to the soup, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. They work well too and will change the flavor a bit!
Olive Oil: This is perfect for sautéing but feel free to use vegetable oil or butter as alternatives. If you like a flavor boost, try using garlic-infused oil!
Potas: Potatoes give the soup substance. You can swap them with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste or use cauliflower if you’re aiming for a lower carb option.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Use whatever you have in your fridge. Almond milk or oat milk will work, but they may make the soup less creamy. If you like a richer taste, half-and-half is a great substitute.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary are perfect here. If you’re out of dry herbs, use fresh ones. Just remember, fresh herbs are more potent—add them towards the end of cooking!
How Do I Make the Soup Creamy Without Clumping?
Creating that smooth, creamy texture is key in this recipe. The roux is your best friend! Here’s how to make it work perfectly:
- Start by melting butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat; be careful not to burn it.
- Add in the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until it’s well blended and lightly golden.
- Slowly pour in your milk or cream while whisking vigorously. This helps to prevent any lumps.
- Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken. This will blend beautifully when added to your soup!
With these tips, you’ll nail that creamy texture every time! Enjoy your Shepherd’s Pie Soup, garnished with a sprinkle of cheese if you like!
How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary, plus extra sprigs for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Thickening:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Optional Topping:
- Shredded cheddar cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Shepherd’s Pie Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. So, in just about 45 minutes, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Then, add the ground beef or lamb. Cook it until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon. If there’s a lot of excess fat, feel free to remove some to keep the soup lighter.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them together until the onion becomes soft and fragrant, which will take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Veggies:
Now, stir in the diced carrots and potatoes. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes. This step helps to start softening the veggies.
4. Incorporate the Flavor:
Add in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and some salt and pepper. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors spread evenly.
5. Simmer:
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You want the potatoes and carrots to be tender by the end of this step.
6. Make the Roux:
While the soup is simmering, grab a separate small saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden. This forms a roux that helps thicken the soup.
7. Add the Creaminess:
Gradually whisk in the milk or heavy cream into the roux, stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens a little bit.
8. Combine Everything:
Carefully stir the creamy mixture into the pot of soup, giving it a lovely, creamy texture. Then, toss in the frozen peas and let everything cook together for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Final Taste Check:
Take a moment to taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This way, it’s just right for your taste buds!
10. Serve Hot:
Serve your Shepherd’s Pie Soup hot, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs. If you like, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy touch. You can also serve it with some toasted mashed potato cakes or biscuits on the side—a delicious nod to classic shepherd’s pie!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Lamb?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative that works well in this recipe. Just be mindful that it might result in a milder flavor, so you may want to boost seasonings accordingly.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container!
Is It Possible to Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef or lamb with lentils or mushrooms, and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more veggies of your choice!
Can I Make It Spicy?
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños or crushed chilies to amp up the heat!
