Description
Cozy Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or lamb
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen corn
2 medium carrots, diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt & pepper to taste
Mashed Potato Topping:
3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp butter
¼ cup milk
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: parsley for garnish
Instructions
Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain, mash with butter and milk, season with salt & pepper. Set aside.
In a large pot, heat olive oil and cook onion and garlic until soft.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer.
Add carrots, peas, and corn. Simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Spoon mashed potatoes on top of the soup in bowls. Optional: broil for a crispy potato topping!
Garnish with parsley and serve hot!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for the perfect Shepherd’s Pie Soup. First, prepare the mashed potato topping: peel and cube 3 large potatoes, boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly, then mash with 2 tbsp butter and 1/4 cup milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then cover and set aside. For the soup base, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and soft. Add 1 lb of ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until no pink remains (about 5-7 minutes). Carefully drain any excess fat. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but a few additions can elevate it. Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. For a lighter touch, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness. To make it extra special for guests, serve the soup in individual, oven-safe crocks, add the mashed potato topping, and broil until the potatoes are golden and crispy right before bringing them to the table.
How-to Summary
In summary, this recipe transforms classic shepherd’s pie into a comforting soup. You make a creamy mashed potato topping, then create a hearty, savory soup base with ground beef, aromatics, broth, and vegetables. The two components are combined in the bowl, with the option to broil for a textural contrast. The entire process takes about 45 minutes from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes. Prepare the soup base and mashed potatoes separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove, warm the potatoes, and assemble when ready to serve.
Can I use a different meat? Absolutely. Ground lamb is a traditional and flavorful alternative. For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken works well; just use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin? Create a quick slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the simmering soup and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian? Yes. Substitute the ground beef with 1-2 cups of cooked brown lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
My mashed potatoes are too thick to spoon easily. What can I do? Simply add a splash more milk or broth to the mashed potatoes and stir until you reach a softer, more spoonable consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not draining the beef fat: Skipping this step will result in a greasy, unbalanced soup.
- Underseasoning the mashed potatoes: They are a key component, so season them generously.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Add the frozen peas and corn in the last 5 minutes of simmering to keep them bright and prevent mushiness.
- Forgetting to “cook” the tomato paste: Letting it fry with the meat for a minute caramelizes it, adding crucial depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This Cozy Shepherd’s Pie Soup masterfully captures all the hearty, savory satisfaction of the classic casserole in a comforting bowl. It’s a versatile, family-friendly recipe that is perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for company. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a delicious, soul-warming meal that is sure to become a regular in your rotation. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.