Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Shepherd’s Pie Soup transforms the beloved classic casserole into a hearty, warming bowl of comfort. Packed with savory ground meat, tender vegetables, and topped with a creamy mashed potato swirl, this soup brings all the flavors of shepherd’s pie in a cozy, slurpable form. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a comforting family meal, it’s satisfying, nourishing, and incredibly easy to make.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef or lamboniongarliccarrotscelerypeasbeef brothtomato pasteWorcestershire saucethymebay leafsalt and pepperolive oilpotatoesbuttermilk or cream
directions
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the beef broth and add a bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
While the soup simmers, boil peeled and chopped potatoes in a separate pot until tender. Drain and mash with butter and milk or cream until smooth.
Add peas to the soup and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve the soup in bowls and top each with a generous spoonful of mashed potatoes. Swirl gently for a classic shepherd’s pie look.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 35 minutesTotal time: 50 minutes
Variations
Use sweet potatoes for a healthier twist on the mashed topping.
Add corn or green beans for extra vegetables.
Top with shredded cheese before serving for an indulgent finish.
Make it vegetarian by using lentils and vegetable broth.
storage/reheating
Store Shepherd’s Pie Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.For freezing, store the soup and mashed potatoes separately for best texture, up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, this soup is perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes.
Is this soup thick or brothy?
It’s a hearty soup with a moderately thick consistency, especially after adding the mashed potato topping.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the meat and veggies first, then transfer to the slow cooker and simmer on low for 4-6 hours. Add the peas and mashed potatoes at the end.
What meat works best?
Ground lamb is traditional, but ground beef or turkey also work well.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, for convenience, instant mashed potatoes can be used for the topping.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Shepherd’s Pie Soup offers a comforting twist on a classic dish, combining the savory depth of shepherd’s pie with the coziness of a hot soup. Easy to make and wonderfully filling, it’s a great option for meal prepping, casual dinners, or serving a crowd. Whether topped with traditional mashed potatoes or your own spin, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
PrintShepherd’s Pie Soup
Hearty, comforting soup capturing all the flavors of classic shepherd’s pie—ground meat, vegetables, creamy potatoes—in a cozy, bowl‑ready form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Sautéing
- Cuisine: British‑inspired
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared ahead or store‑bought)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp milk or cream
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown ground meat until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth, add Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook 15 minutes.
- Stir in frozen peas and simmer another 2–3 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, warm mashed potatoes with butter and milk until creamy; season to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use ground lamb for a traditional shepherd’s pie flavor or beef for a cottage‑pie twist.
- Make mashed potatoes in advance and reheat with a little extra milk for easy assembly.
- Stir cheese (cheddar or Parmesan) into the mashed potatoes for added richness.
- For a thicker soup, mash a few vegetables against the pot side or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Leftover soup keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days; mashed‑potato topping separate and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups soup + ⅓ cup mashed potato
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg