Shepherd’s Pie Soup

This Shepherd’s Pie Soup is the ultimate comfort food, transforming classic ingredients into a creamy, hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a family gathering, this soup captures the essence of traditional shepherd’s pie in a warm bowl. The blend of mashed potatoes, savory ground beef, and vibrant vegetables makes it an inviting meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: This soup combines all the rich flavors of shepherd’s pie in a creamy broth.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish without any fuss.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand to customize your soup.
• Great for Meal Prep: It stores well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep for busy weeks.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe yields 12 cups, ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to streamline your preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Stock Pot
• Silicone Spatula
• Potato Masher
• Immersion Blender (or regular blender)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Stock Pot: A must-have for cooking the soup efficiently and allowing all ingredients to blend perfectly.
• Silicone Spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the pot and ensuring nothing sticks while cooking.
• Potato Masher: Essential for creating that creamy texture in the mashed potatoes that make this soup so inviting.

Ingredients

This creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup is made with traditional Shepherd’s Pie ingredients, including mashed potatoes, cheese, ground beef, and vegetables! You’ll love watching a classic comfort food transform into a delicious soup with creamy broth that your family will love.

For the Soup Base

• 4 large russet potatoes (equal to 2 lbs.)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 lb. Ground Beef (85% lean)
• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons salted butter (divided)
• ¼ cup flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half and half
• ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups mixed frozen vegetables
• Salt/Pepper (to taste)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Step 1: Prep Work

Start by shredding the cheese from a block. Measure out the sour cream and half and half. Let these ingredients sit out at room temperature while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any grease from the pot. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Boil & Mash Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into thirds. Add them to a stock pot covered with one inch of water. Add salt and boil gently for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well, then gently mash. Incorporate sour cream and 1 tablespoon of butter; set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Broth

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in your pot. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute.

Step 5: Whisk in Flour

Add flour gradually while stirring with a silicone spatula. Cook for one full minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 6: Add Chicken Broth

Slowly pour in chicken broth in splashes while stirring continuously. Use your spatula to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot; these add great flavor!

Step 7: Seasoning Time

Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and sage to your broth mixture. Gradually stir in half-and-half. Bring everything to a boil before reducing it to a simmer.

Step 8: Combine Potatoes

Incorporate your mashed potatoes into the broth until everything is well combined. If possible, use an immersion blender to achieve a creamy texture; otherwise, transfer it in batches to a regular blender.

Step 9: Heat Through

Add cooked ground beef and mixed frozen vegetables back into your soup base. Allow everything to heat through for about five minutes.

Step 10: Finish with Cheese

Remove from heat and gradually sprinkle shredded cheese into the soup. Stir until melted smoothly throughout—be careful not to let it get too hot!

Step 11: Taste & Serve

Taste your delicious soup and season with additional salt/pepper if desired before serving hot!

How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. This creamy soup can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some suggestions for serving it perfectly.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor of sourdough complements the creamy soup beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread will add a delicious crunch and richness that pairs well with the soup.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Chives: Finely chopped chives can provide an onion-like flavor that enhances the dish.

Add a Dollop of Sour Cream

• Sour Cream: Adding a spoonful of sour cream on top brings extra creaminess and tanginess to each bowl.

Serve with Salad

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
• Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing create a nice balance with the hearty soup.

How to Perfect Shepherd’s Pie Soup

To make your Shepherd’s Pie Soup even more enjoyable, consider these tips for perfecting the recipe.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavors significantly.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving; adjust salt and pepper to suit your preference.
• Blend for Smoothness: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender or regular blender to blend until smooth.
• Control Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer; for a thinner consistency, add more broth or half and half.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like crispy bacon or fried onions for added texture.
• Refrigerate Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes echo the flavors of Shepherd’s Pie while adding extra comfort.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection provides color and nutrition.
3. Cheese Toasts: Crispy toast topped with melted cheese makes for a simple yet satisfying side.
4. Crackers or Breadsticks: Crunchy crackers or warm breadsticks offer a delightful texture contrast.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds brightness and crunch, balancing the creaminess of the soup.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: Flavorful stuffed mushrooms can serve as an elegant appetizer alongside your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Shepherd’s Pie Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the prep work: Failing to prepare your ingredients before you start cooking can lead to confusion and delays. Make sure to chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance.
• Overcooking the potatoes: If you boil the potatoes too long, they may become mushy. Aim for fork-tender, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
• Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning the soup can result in bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.
• Using low-quality beef: Using fatty ground beef can make the soup greasy. Opt for 85% lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor without excess fat.
• Ignoring blending options: Not blending the potatoes into the broth can leave the soup chunky rather than creamy. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender for a smoother texture.
• Adding cheese too soon: Adding cheese when the soup is too hot can cause it to clump rather than melt smoothly. Wait until the heat is lowered before stirring in the cheese.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Shepherd’s Pie Soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Shepherd’s Pie Soup

• You can freeze Shepherd’s Pie Soup for up to 2-3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Shepherd’s Pie Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir often and heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes, adjusting heat as necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shepherd’s Pie Soup?

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a creamy version of traditional Shepherd’s Pie, incorporating similar ingredients like mashed potatoes, ground beef, and vegetables but served as a comforting soup.

Can I customize my Shepherd’s Pie Soup?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables such as corn or peas or use turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.

How do I thicken Shepherd’s Pie Soup?

If you’d like your soup thicker, you can add more mashed potatoes or use cornstarch mixed with water as a thickening agent during cooking.

Is Shepherd’s Pie Soup healthy?

This soup offers a balanced meal with protein from beef and fiber from vegetables. Adjusting ingredients can enhance its nutritional value further!

Can I make Shepherd’s Pie Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is not only hearty but also versatile and easy to make. You can tailor it to fit your family’s tastes by adding various vegetables or proteins. This comforting dish promises warmth on chilly nights while being simple enough for weeknight dinners. Give it a try and enjoy this classic comfort food reinvented!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Shepherd’s Pie Soup

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a heartwarming twist on the classic comfort food, bringing together all the beloved flavors of traditional shepherd’s pie in a creamy and inviting bowl. This soup features a rich blend of savory ground beef, tender mashed potatoes, and vibrant vegetables, making it the perfect dish for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand, this recipe is not only satisfying but also ideal for meal prep. With each spoonful, enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of home-cooked goodness that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 2 cups half and half
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Peel and cut potatoes into thirds; boil in salted water until fork-tender (10-15 minutes). Drain and mash with sour cream.
2. Cook ground beef in a large stock pot over medium-high heat until browned; drain grease.
3. In the same pot, melt butter, sauté onions until softened, then add garlic.
4. Whisk in flour, followed by chicken broth; add seasonings and simmer.
5. Stir in mashed potatoes until well combined; blend for smoothness if desired.
6. Incorporate cooked beef and frozen vegetables; heat through before adding cheese gradually.
7. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 70mg