If you’re a fan of hearty comfort food with a twist, you’ll fall head over heels for Shepherd’s Pie Soup. This delightful dish transforms all the classic flavors of traditional Shepherd’s Pie into a cozy, spoonable soup, blending creamy potatoes, savory ground meat, sweet veggies, and aromatic herbs in every satisfying bite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or something special to wow your friends, Shepherd’s Pie Soup brings that nostalgic, home-cooked magic right to your table!

Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shepherd’s Pie Soup comes together with simple, everyday ingredients, yet each one is pivotal—contributing unique notes of flavor, heartiness, and color. Get ready for a medley of basics that combine to make something truly memorable!

Olive oil: Start your soup with a touch of olive oil to create a rich, luscious base and bring out the flavors of your vegetables and meat.
Ground beef or ground lamb: This is your main protein, providing richness and depth—lamb gives a traditional twist, while beef adds a classic, crowd-pleasing flavor.
Yellow onion, diced: The aromatic backbone of the soup, onions lend sweetness and a subtle sharpness that pairs beautifully with the beefy broth.
Garlic, minced: Just a couple of cloves infuse the soup with an irresistible savory scent and a gentle warmth.
Carrots, peeled and diced: Carrots add a touch of natural sweetness and gorgeous color, softening nicely into tender bites.
Celery, diced: This brings a fresh, slightly peppery crunch that balances out the richness of the meat and potatoes.
Frozen peas: The ideal last-minute veggie—peas add pops of color and a fresh, sweet flavor that makes each spoonful brighten up.
Tomato paste: This thick, tangy concentrate deepens the broth’s color and adds a touch of umami that makes the soup sing.
Beef broth: The foundation of your soup—choose a robust beef broth for the most flavor, or go with low-sodium to control saltiness.
Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash gives the broth a savory, complex backnote reminiscent of traditional Shepherd’s Pie gravy.
Dried thyme: Fragrant thyme ties it all together with an earthy, herbal note.
Dried rosemary: A little rosemary rounds out the herb profile, infusing the soup with subtle pine and citrus flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Totally essential—add to taste for perfectly seasoned soup.
Russet potatoes, peeled and diced: Potatoes are the soul of Shepherd’s Pie Soup, lending heartiness and a luscious, creamy texture.
Heavy cream: A generous splash at the end makes the soup velvety, creamy, and completely luxurious.
Unsalted butter: A couple of tablespoons whisked in for richness and that unmistakable buttery finish.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): For a little pop of color and freshness just before serving—totally optional but always welcome!

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef or lamb and cook it, breaking up the meat with your spoon, until it’s deeply browned and fragrant. If there’s excess fat, drain it off so your soup stays perfectly balanced and not too greasy.

Step 2: Soften the Vegetables

Next, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for a couple of minutes, just until the onions turn glossy and the kitchen smells amazing. Then add the carrots and celery, and cook for around five minutes more—this helps the veggies start becoming tender while building a flavorful foundation.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Paste

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a full minute. This quick step deepens the color and adds a tangy, slightly sweet undertone to your soup—think of it as a secret flavor weapon!

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the beef broth, then add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. These essentials bring the comforting flavors of Shepherd’s Pie Soup to life. Mix in your diced potatoes, then turn up the heat until everything comes to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer with Potatoes

Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let everything simmer away for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the potatoes to be fork-tender and the flavors to meld beautifully into a harmonious, deeply savory soup.

Step 6: Finish with Peas, Cream, and Butter

Now for the delicious finale! Stir in your frozen peas, heavy cream, and a couple spoonfuls of butter. Let it all warm through for five minutes—this last step makes Shepherd’s Pie Soup extra luxurious, silky, and full of layered flavors. Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and get ready to ladle up!

How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Garnishes

Top your bowls of Shepherd’s Pie Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a colorful, herbaceous finish. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a few grinds of black pepper or an extra pat of butter melting on top push it right over the edge into comfort food heaven.

Side Dishes

This soup loves to be paired with warm, crusty bread—think sourdough, a classic baguette, or even some homemade buttermilk biscuits for dunking. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the soup’s creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful presentation, serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup in mini bread bowls or wide mugs for an ultra-cozy vibe. Ladling the soup over a mound of buttery mashed potatoes or topping with crispy fried onions can also make it dinner party-worthy. Don’t be afraid to get creative—it’s as versatile as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Shepherd’s Pie Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavors will only deepen as it sits, making your next bowl even better.

Freezing

This soup is perfect for freezing. Once cooled, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—note that the potatoes may break down a little, but the soup’s cozy spirit will still shine through.

Reheating

Gently reheat Shepherd’s Pie Soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of broth or a bit of water to loosen it up. It’s just as comforting the second (or third!) time around.

FAQs

Can I make Shepherd’s Pie Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version—just be sure to adjust seasonings as needed. The result is still hearty, flavorful, and just as cozy.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

If you prefer your soup a bit thicker, simply mash a few of the cooked potatoes right in the pot before serving. This trick naturally thickens the broth without adding flour or cornstarch.

Is it better with ground beef or lamb?

Both are delicious! Ground lamb gives you that classic British flavor, while beef is a bit milder and more familiar to many. Either way, you’ll love the deep, meaty notes in every bite of Shepherd’s Pie Soup.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! This soup is flexible—try tossing in mushrooms, sweet corn, parsnips, or even a handful of spinach for extra nutrients and color. It’s a great way to use up what’s in your fridge.

How spicy is this soup?

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is gently seasoned and not spicy at all, making it perfect for kids and adults alike. If you like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper or dash of hot sauce at the end will do the trick!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to cozy up with a bowl of Shepherd’s Pie Soup! Whether you’re seeking family comfort or wowing a dinner crowd, this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and that extra bit of homemade care. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite!

Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a cozy and satisfying twist on the classic comfort food. A hearty blend of ground beef or lamb, vegetables, and creamy potatoes in a flavorful broth, this soup will warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or ground lamb
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Mashed Potatoes:

1 ½ cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Soup: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the ground beef or lamb, then add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
Add Vegetables: Stir in carrots and celery, cook until slightly softened. Mix in tomato paste.
Cook the Soup: Pour in beef broth, add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper. Add potatoes, bring to a boil, then simmer until potatoes are tender.
Finish the Soup: Stir in peas, heavy cream, butter. Simmer until warmed through. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley.