Shepherd’s Pie Soup

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A warm bowl of Shepherd’s Pie Soup is exactly what you need when the chill hits the air. This comforting twist on a classic casserole transforms everything you love about Shepherd’s Pie into a spoonable, soul-hugging soup. It carries all the deep, savory goodness of ground beef, the tender bites of vegetables, and the creamy mashed potato topping—but with the cozy appeal of a hearty stew.

Whether you’re cozying up on a weeknight or making a big pot for the weekend, this recipe brings all the nostalgic flavors of the traditional dish, with none of the layering fuss. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and a true cold-weather favorite that fills the kitchen with warmth.

Why You’ll Love This Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Shepherd’s Pie Soup combines two comfort food worlds: soup and casserole. It comes together easily in one pot and skips the baking step, making it perfect for busy nights. The broth is rich and flavorful, thickened just enough to hold up the classic veggies and meat. Plus, the mashed potato swirl on top is just indulgent enough to make each spoonful feel like home.

What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

For this soup, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are both great choices. Yukon Golds will give you a buttery richness, while Russets are fluffier and easier to mash. If you’re planning to pipe or swirl the mashed topping, a starchier potato like Russet will hold its shape beautifully.

Ingredients for the Shepherd’s Pie Soup

This recipe leans on wholesome staples to bring big flavor to your bowl. Each ingredient adds a layer of richness, heartiness, or creaminess that echoes the casserole version.

• Ground beef
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery
• Frozen peas
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Thyme
• Bay leaf
• Mashed potatoes
• Butter
• Cream or milk
• Salt and pepper

How To Make the Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

In a large pot, melt a little butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until they begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. Add the garlic and stir for another minute.

Step 2: Brown the beef

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Build the flavor base

Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Let the tomato paste cook for a couple of minutes to deepen its flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the soup

Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 20 to 25 minutes until the vegetables are tender and flavors are fully melded.

Step 5: Add the peas and mashed topping

Stir in the peas during the last few minutes of simmering. Meanwhile, prepare mashed potatoes with butter and cream. You can spoon dollops directly on top or pipe them if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 6: Serve it up

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a swirl of mashed potatoes. Garnish with a little chopped parsley or extra pepper if you like.

How to Store and Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup

This soup feeds about 6 to 8 people generously, making it perfect for family dinner or leftovers the next day. Store any extra soup (without the mashed potato topping) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove. Keep mashed potatoes separate for best texture, adding them fresh when serving. You can also freeze the soup base for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Shepherd’s Pie Soup?

Crusty Bread

Nothing soaks up this savory soup better than a thick slice of crusty sourdough or artisan bread.

Simple Side Salad

A fresh green salad with vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch to balance the richness of the soup.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The slight bitterness of roasted sprouts pairs perfectly with the savory depth of the soup.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Soft, buttery rolls are great for mopping the bowl clean.

Apple Cabbage Slaw

For a cool and crisp side with a little zing, a tangy slaw adds freshness.

Garlic Green Beans

Bright and snappy green beans with garlic butter bring a veggie-forward side to the table.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

If you’re serving a crowd, these offer a naturally sweet contrast to the savory flavors in the soup.

Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving this hearty soup, here are some other dinner ideas worth trying:

• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta
• Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl
• No Peek Chicken Casserole
• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
• Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for cozy meals so you can come back to it all season long.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with beef or try a vegetarian version? Did you swirl or dollop the potatoes?

Explore even more feel-good comfort food and family-style recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is the definition of cozy, with all the flavor and satisfaction of its casserole cousin in easy, slurpable form. With just one pot and a few humble ingredients, you can bring warmth to the table any night of the week.

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