Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting meals, then this Shepherd’s Pie Soup is sure to be a hit. This recipe takes all the flavors of a traditional shepherd’s pie — savory ground beef, rich mashed potatoes, and melted cheese — and transforms them into a cozy, warming soup. Perfect for chilly nights or whenever you’re craving comfort food, this soup will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul. It’s also a one-pot meal that’s simple to make and great for leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Shepherd’s Pie Soup

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the flavors of shepherd’s pie but wants a quicker, more convenient way to enjoy it. Shepherd’s Pie Soup brings together all those classic flavors — the savory ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, flavorful broth, and melted cheese — in a single bowl of cozy, creamy goodness. Plus, it’s a great way to make a filling meal for the whole family in just over 30 minutes!

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to make this Shepherd’s Pie Soup:

• 4 large russet potatoes (2 lbs.) – These create the rich, creamy mashed potato base for the soup.
• ¾ teaspoon salt – Helps season the potatoes while boiling.
• ¾ cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and a bit of tang to the mashed potatoes.
• 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean) – Provides the hearty, savory element of the soup.
• 1 yellow onion, diced – Gives depth of flavor to the broth.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a subtle, rich flavor.
• 3 Tablespoons salted butter – Used for sautéing the vegetables and enriching the mashed potatoes.
• ¼ cup flour – Thickens the soup base.
• 4 cups chicken broth – The base of the soup, adding a savory element.
• 2 cups half and half – Makes the soup creamy without being too heavy.
• ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and richness to the broth.
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – Enhances the flavor with a blend of herbs.
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder – Gives a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage – Adds a warm, earthy note to the soup.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the soup, adding creamy, cheesy goodness.
• 1 ½ cups mixed frozen vegetables – Provides a mix of textures and nutrition.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Adjusts the seasoning to perfection.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make this Shepherd’s Pie Soup, here’s what you’ll need:

• Stock pot or large soup pot
• Potato peeler
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula
• Potato masher

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup: Step-by-Step

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Start by shredding your cheddar cheese, measuring out the sour cream, and letting them come to room temperature. This ensures the ingredients mix smoothly into the soup.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large stock pot, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, drain off any excess grease, remove the beef from the pot, and set it aside for later.

3. Boil and Mash the Potatoes

While the beef is cooking, peel and chop your russet potatoes into thirds. Add the potatoes to a large pot, cover them with water, and add ¾ teaspoon of salt. Boil the potatoes gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Drain them, then mash with 1 tablespoon of butter and ¾ cup of sour cream until smooth. Set them aside.

4. Prepare the Broth

In the same pot where you cooked the beef, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

5. Thicken the Broth

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously to cook off the raw flour taste. This step is crucial to achieving a smooth and creamy soup without lumps.

6. Add the Liquids

Slowly add the chicken broth in small splashes, stirring constantly. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits from the ground beef, which will add extra flavor to the broth. After the broth, add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and sage. Stir in the half and half gradually, bringing the soup to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer.

7. Blend the Soup

Add the mashed potatoes to the broth and stir well until fully combined. To achieve a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, then return it to the pot.

8. Finish with Beef and Vegetables

Return the cooked ground beef to the pot, along with the frozen mixed vegetables. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to heat through and the flavors to meld together.

9. Stir in the Cheese

Remove the soup from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Be sure the soup is no longer boiling at this point, as high heat can cause the cheese to become grainy instead of smooth.

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes

• Use starchy potatoes like russets for the creamiest mash.
• Boil gently to avoid breaking the potatoes apart too early.
• Mash while the potatoes are still warm, and don’t over-mash to avoid a gluey texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the beef: This can result in tough, dry meat. Be sure to cook just until browned.
• Skipping the immersion blender: For a creamy, cohesive soup, blending the mashed potatoes into the broth is essential.
• Adding cheese too quickly: If the soup is too hot when adding cheese, it won’t melt smoothly, so make sure the base has cooled slightly.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. For added texture, consider serving the soup with crusty bread or garlic toast on the side.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much during storage, simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to adjust the consistency.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter version of the soup.
• Vegan variation: Use plant-based ground meat, vegetable broth, and dairy-free alternatives for sour cream and cheese.
• Add more veggies: You can increase the frozen mixed vegetables or add fresh ones like carrots, peas, or corn.

Shepherd’s Pie Soup FAQ

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Simply reheat over low heat and adjust the consistency if necessary.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it’s best to leave out the cheese until you reheat the soup. Dairy can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed, so add the cheese after reheating for the smoothest texture.

What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Conclusion: Comfort in a Bowl

This Shepherd’s Pie Soup is the perfect cozy meal that combines all the beloved flavors of shepherd’s pie in a warm, creamy bowl of soup. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or making it ahead for easy weeknight meals, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and subscribe for more comforting, delicious recipes!

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