Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a quick and comforting twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, combining tender ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes into a hearty and satisfying soup that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy lunches, this one-pot recipe delivers rich, nostalgic flavors with minimal cleanup and easy customization options.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped
Liquids and Flavorings
- 4 cups beef broth or stock
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup milk or non-dairy milk substitute
Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Brown the Meat and Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and soft, about 3–4 minutes, to build a rich flavor base.
- Add the Vegetables and Tomato Paste: Stir in the chopped carrots and peas along with the tomato paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to develop deeper flavor and the vegetables to begin softening.
- Pour in Broth and Seasonings: Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors and soften the vegetables further.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Meanwhile, boil the peeled and chopped potatoes in a separate pot until tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and milk (or non-dairy substitute), seasoning with a pinch of salt. For a rustic texture, leave some lumps in the mashed potatoes.
- Assemble and Serve: Either swirl the creamy mashed potatoes directly into the soup for a combined texture or spoon dollops of the mash on top of individual servings. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve piping hot.
Notes
- Use fresh, lean ground beef or lamb to enhance flavor and reduce greasiness.
- Don’t skip the tomato paste as it boosts umami and mimics the traditional shepherd’s pie taste.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to avoid over- or under-seasoning.
- Adjust potato texture to your preference; smoother for creamier soup, chunkier for rustic feel.
- Fresh thyme or parsley brightens and elevates the overall flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Shepherd's pie soup, quick shepherd's pie, easy comfort food, one-pot soup, ground beef soup, hearty soup