Shepherd’s Pie Soup
A warm, hearty bowl of Shepherd’s Pie Soup captures all the comforting flavors of the classic dish in an easy-to-make soup. Packed with ground meat, tender vegetables, creamy potatoes, and savory herbs, it’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something cozy.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creaminess)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Meat
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- If necessary, drain any excess fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat for flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the browned meat.
- Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and release their aromas.
3. Add Broth and Potatoes
- Pour in the 3 cups of beef or chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Add the diced potatoes, along with the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
4. Simmer the Soup
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
5. Add Peas, Corn, and Cream
- Stir in the frozen peas and corn, allowing them to heat through for about 5 minutes.
- For a creamier soup, add 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk and stir to combine. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if desired.
6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.
- Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to thin it out if needed.
Optional Additions
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground meat for lentils or plant-based meat and use vegetable broth.
- Extra Vegetables: Add diced zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers for more variety.
- Spices: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a kick of heat.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~16g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~10g
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup combines classic flavors into a single bowl of warmth and comfort. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that the whole family will love!