Shepherd’s Pie Soup: A Hearty Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish 🍲

Cook the Ground Meat:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat (beef or lamb) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to a bowl.

Sauté Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Combine Broth and Seasonings:
Return the browned meat to the pot with the vegetables. Add the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add Peas and Finish the Soup:
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes. The soup should be thick and hearty, similar to the filling of a shepherd’s pie.

Assemble the Soup:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with a generous spoonful of mashed potatoes. The creamy mashed potatoes will float on top, creating the signature shepherd’s pie “crust.” Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve:
Serve hot, and enjoy this comforting, filling dish that’s perfect for any cold day.

Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serve with Bread:
Pair this shepherd’s pie soup with a side of crusty bread for an extra satisfying meal. It’s perfect for soaking up any extra broth.

Make Ahead:
This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply store the soup and mashed potatoes separately to maintain their textures, then reheat together when ready to serve.

Freezing:
If you want to freeze this soup for later, allow it to cool completely. Store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove, adding a splash of milk or broth if necessary to reach the desired consistency.

Spicy Kick:
If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering. This will give the soup a spicy undertone that complements the rich, savory flavors.

Variants:
Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie Soup:
For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the ground meat with lentils or a meat alternative like plant-based ground “beef.” You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or parsnips for more texture and flavor.

Mashed Cauliflower Topping:
For a lighter, lower-carb version of this dish, you can replace the mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower. Cauliflower mashed potatoes are creamy and delicious, and they provide a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.

Use Sweet Potatoes:
If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor in your soup, use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for the mashed topping. This adds a wonderful sweetness that pairs well with the savory broth.

Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie Soup:
For a cheesy twist, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese into the soup before serving. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before serving for a gooey, cheesy finish.

FAQ:
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef or lamb for this soup?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef or lamb. The flavor will be lighter, but still delicious. Chicken or turkey works well if you’re looking for a leaner version of the soup.

2. What can I use instead of whole milk?
You can use any milk alternative, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, to make this soup dairy-free. For a richer consistency, you can use coconut milk, but it will give the soup a slightly different flavor.

3. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Shepherd’s pie soup is very versatile. You can add more vegetables like zucchini, peas, corn, or even spinach to increase the nutritional value and flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if adding harder vegetables like parsnips or turnips.

4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Finish with peas and the mashed potatoes just before serving.

5. Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes! If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add some chopped jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce while the soup is cooking. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Conclusion:
Shepherd’s Pie Soup is the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of a beloved comfort food in a new and exciting form. Rich, hearty, and filling, this soup is ideal for a cozy family meal, and it’s easy to customize to fit your preferences. With its creamy mashed potato topping and savory meat and vegetable broth, this dish is guaranteed to warm you up and satisfy your hunger. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with your own variations, this Shepherd’s Pie Soup is sure to be a hit every time!