Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Comforting Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a warm, hearty dish that combines the flavors of classic shepherd’s pie into a cozy, one-pot soup. Made with tender ground meat, aromatic vegetables, rich beef broth, and creamy mashed potatoes, this soup is perfect for chilly days and easy to customize for any dietary preference or season.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British/Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- Optional: corn, green beans, bell peppers for extra veggies
Broth and Seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mashed Potatoes
- 3 medium starchy potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and boiled
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Optional Enhancements
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for spice
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart as it cooks. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat to keep the soup light.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onions, minced garlic, and diced carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the onions are translucent and vegetables soften, building a fragrant base.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in 4 cups beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes so flavors meld.
- Prepare Creamy Mashed Potatoes: While the soup simmers, boil peeled potatoes until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain well, then mash with butter and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Finish: Stir peas into the simmering soup just before serving to keep their bright color and crunch. Spoon dollops of mashed potatoes on top or swirl them in for a rustic look. Let warm through for a few minutes, then serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for brighter flavor over dried herbs.
- Add peas near the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and preserve color.
- Make mashed potatoes ahead of time to save prep during cooking.
- Adjust broth thickness by adding more broth or simmering longer.
- Season gradually, tasting as you go to balance the flavors perfectly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: shepherd's pie soup, comforting soup, ground beef soup, mashed potato soup, one pot meal, cozy soup, family-friendly soup