Shepherd’s Pie Soup

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by Aileen Reed

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Shepherd's Pie Soup

This creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its hearty flavors and creamy texture, this soup transforms traditional Shepherd’s Pie into a delightful bowl of warmth. It’s easy to make, versatile enough for any occasion, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Shepherd's Pie Soup
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comforting Flavors: Enjoy the rich taste of classic Shepherd’s Pie in a warm soup form.
  • Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal fuss, this dish is perfect for weeknight meals.
  • Versatile Ingredients: Customize your soup with seasonal vegetables or alternative proteins.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or serving guests; everyone will ask for seconds!
  • Creamy Texture: The addition of half and half and cheese creates a luxurious mouthfeel.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on your delicious Shepherd’s Pie Soup, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Large stock pot
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Immersion blender (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

  • Large stock pot: Necessary for boiling potatoes and cooking the soup base evenly.
  • Silicone spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of the pot without scratching non-stick surfaces.
  • Immersion blender: Makes it easy to achieve a creamy consistency without transferring hot soup to a blender.

Ingredients

This creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup is made with traditional Shepherd’s Pie ingredients, including mashed potatoes, cheese, ground beef, and vegetables! You’ll love watching a classic comfort food transform into a delicious soup with creamy broth that your family will love.

For the Soup Base

  • 4 large russet potatoes (equal to 2 lbs.)
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 1 lb. Ground Beef (85% lean)
  • 1 yellow onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter (divided)
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 4 cups Chicken broth
  • 2 cups half and half

For Seasoning & Flavor

  • ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground sage

For Finishing Touches

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 ½ cups mixed frozen vegetables
  • Salt/Pepper (to taste)

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Step 1: Prep Work

Start by shredding the cheese from a block. Measure out the sour cream and half and half, allowing them to sit out at room temperature while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Remember to crumble it as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

Step 3: Boil & Mash Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into thirds. Place them in the stock pot, covering with about an inch of water. Add salt and gently boil for 10-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain, then mash gently adding sour cream and one tablespoon of butter. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Broth

Melt two tablespoons of butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic for an additional minute.

Step 5: Create Roux

Whisk in flour while stirring constantly with a silicone spatula for about one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 6: Build Flavor

Gradually add chicken broth in splashes while stirring continuously to loosen any bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 7: Season

Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and sage to enhance flavor. Slowly incorporate half and half before bringing it to a boil; reduce heat to simmer afterward.

Step 8: Combine Potatoes

Stir in mashed potatoes until well combined into the broth. Use an immersion blender if desired for a smoother texture.

Step 9: Final Touches

Return cooked ground beef along with frozen vegetables into the pot allowing everything to heat through (about five minutes).

Step 10: Add Cheese

Remove from heat gradually sprinkle shredded cheese on top while stirring until melted into creamy goodness. Adjust seasoning with salt/pepper if needed before serving!

Enjoy your homemade Shepherd’s Pie Soup!

How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want a simple meal or a more elaborate dining experience, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your soup.

With Crusty Bread

  • Pair the soup with a loaf of fresh crusty bread for dipping. The bread complements the creamy texture of the soup beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

  • Garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to each bowl.

Served in a Bread Bowl

  • For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an impressive presentation and allows diners to enjoy the bread as they finish their soup.

Accompanied by a Side Salad

  • A light green salad with vinaigrette pairs perfectly with Shepherd’s Pie Soup, balancing the richness of the dish and adding freshness.

With Cheese Toasties

  • Serve cheese toasties on the side. The melty cheese and crispy bread create a satisfying combo that complements the soup.

Drizzled with Hot Sauce

  • For those who like a kick, offer hot sauce on the side. A few drops can elevate the flavor profile and add some heat.

How to Perfect Shepherd’s Pie Soup

To achieve the best results with your Shepherd’s Pie Soup, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavor and texture.

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality beef will elevate the taste of your soup significantly.
  • Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or half and half until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Blend for Creaminess: For an ultra-smooth soup, use an immersion blender after adding potatoes; this will create that creamy texture everyone loves.
  • Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning gradually. Adding salt or pepper at different stages can help you achieve the perfect balance.
  • Let it Sit: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes before serving lets flavors meld together beautifully.
  • Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like crispy onions or additional cheese to customize each bowl.

Best Side Dishes for Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is filling enough on its own, but pairing it with side dishes can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options:

  1. Garlic Bread: Toast slices of garlic buttered bread until golden brown for a crunchy addition that pairs well with the creamy soup.
  2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing that complements the rich flavors of the soup.
  3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy contrast to the richness of Shepherd’s Pie Soup; consider carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
  4. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, making it an excellent counterpoint to this hearty dish.
  5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs enhance your meal’s savory profile without being too heavy.
  6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins pair perfectly with soups; their mild sweetness balances out rich flavors nicely.
  7. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide added texture and heartiness; they can be baked or fried based on preference.
  8. Pita Chips with Hummus: For something lighter, offer pita chips accompanied by hummus; this crunchy snack provides an enjoyable contrast to your warm, comforting soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Shepherd’s Pie Soup, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls to ensure the dish turns out delicious.

  • Skipping prep work: Failing to prepare ingredients beforehand can lead to confusion and mistakes while cooking. Measure out all ingredients in advance for a smoother process.
  • Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Add them later in the cooking process for a better texture.
  • Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can result in bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
  • Neglecting cheese melting tips: Adding cheese when the soup is too hot can cause it to clump instead of melt smoothly. Allow the soup to cool slightly before stirring in the cheese.
  • Using cold dairy products: Cold sour cream or half and half can cause separation in the soup. Let these ingredients come to room temperature before mixing them in.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store soup in an airtight container.
  • It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Shepherd’s Pie Soup

  • Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
  • The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Shepherd’s Pie Soup

  • Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
  • Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warm, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shepherd’s Pie Soup?

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a creamy, hearty dish made with ground beef, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and cheese, reminiscent of traditional shepherd’s pie but served as a comforting soup.

Can I customize my Shepherd’s Pie Soup?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or use different types of ground meat such as turkey or lamb for variation.

How do I thicken Shepherd’s Pie Soup?

To thicken the soup, you can let it simmer longer or add more flour while cooking. An immersion blender also helps create a creamier consistency.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used; just chop them into small pieces and add them at the appropriate time according to your recipe instructions.

Final Thoughts

This creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup is not just a delightful twist on a classic dish; it’s also versatile enough to accommodate various tastes. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or proteins. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how comforting this warm bowl can be!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Shepherd's Pie Soup

Shepherd’s Pie Soup


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  • Author: Aileen
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

This creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup is the ultimate comfort food that transforms the classic dish into a warm, inviting bowl perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With rich flavors and a velvety texture, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion. Packed with ground beef, mixed vegetables, and topped with melted cheese, each spoonful offers a satisfying experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the delightful combination of hearty ingredients and creamy broth, making it an ideal choice for those chilly nights.


Ingredients

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  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 yellow onion
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground sage
  • Salt/Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Peel and cube the potatoes; boil in salted water until tender, then mash with sour cream.
  2. In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; set aside.
  3. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in butter until soft.
  4. Whisk in flour to form a roux; gradually add chicken broth while stirring.
  5. Stir in mashed potatoes, seasonings, cooked beef, and frozen veggies; simmer until heated through.
  6. Remove from heat and mix in cheddar cheese until melted.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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