Shepherd’s Pie Soup

All the Comfort of Classic Shepherd’s Pie in a Cozy, Creamy Bowl

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that warms you from the inside out, Shepherd’s Pie Soup is the perfect answer. It takes everything you love about traditional Shepherd’s Pie—savory ground meat, tender vegetables, rich gravy, and creamy mashed potatoes—and transforms it into a cozy, soul-soothing soup. This version captures all the nostalgic flavors of the classic casserole but with the convenience and comfort of a one-pot winter soup.

Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a hungry family, or simply looking for a comforting bowl for cold nights, this Shepherd’s Pie Soup brings warmth, flavor, and convenience together beautifully. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and incredible versatility, it’s sure to become a new favorite.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love Shepherd’s Pie Soup

1. All the Comfort, Less Work

No layering or baking required. Everything simmers gently in one pot for an easier, faster version of Shepherd’s Pie.

2. Perfect for Cold Weather

Thick, hearty, and warming—this soup is a winter essential.

3. Family-Friendly

Classic, familiar flavors that both kids and adults love.

4. Flexible and Customizable

Use ground lamb or beef, frozen or fresh vegetables, or swap mashed potatoes for crispy potato topping.

5. Great for Leftovers

Tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

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🛒 Ingredients You Need

For the Soup Base:

• 1 lb ground lamb (traditional) or ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For Thickening:

• 3 tbsp flour or cornstarch
• 3 tbsp butter

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 3 cups cooked mashed potatoes (homemade or leftover)
• ¾ cup milk or cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: shredded cheddar for topping

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🍲 How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground lamb or beef over medium-high heat until browned. Break it into crumbles as it cooks.
If you’re using lean beef, add a drizzle of olive oil.

Drain excess grease if necessary, but leave a tablespoon for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Herbs

Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 4: Add the Broth

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Let the soup cook for 15–20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to fully soften and flavors to meld.

Step 5: Create a Roux

In a small pan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, then stir it into the soup.
This thickens the broth and gives it the classic Shepherd’s Pie richness.

Step 6: Add the Peas

Add frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay bright and tender.

Step 7: Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping

In a separate bowl, mix warm mashed potatoes with milk and butter until creamy.
Season to taste.
This topping will be spooned right over the soup for that iconic Shepherd’s Pie finish.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls.
Top with a generous mound of mashed potatoes.
Add grated cheddar if you like something extra cozy.
Serve hot!

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🥔 Tips for Perfect Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Use Lamb for Authentic Flavor

Shepherd’s Pie traditionally uses lamb; cottage pie uses beef. Either works beautifully, but lamb gives that classic depth.

Don’t Skip the Tomato Paste

It adds richness and color to the broth.

Keep Potatoes Fluffy

If using leftover mashed potatoes, loosen them with a splash of hot milk so they sit beautifully atop the soup.

Want a Creamier Soup?

Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half directly to the pot.

Prefer a Smooth Soup?

Blend half of it with an immersion blender to create a thicker, creamier base.

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🔄 Delicious Variations

1. Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Crispy Potato Topping

Spread mashed potatoes on a baking sheet, broil until crisp, then crumble over the soup.

2. Cheese Lover’s Version

Stir cheddar into the mashed potatoes and sprinkle more on top.

3. Low-Carb Version

Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes.

4. Guinness Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Add ½ cup Guinness for rich, deep flavor.

5. Dairy-Free Version

Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk for creaminess.

6. Vegetable-Packed Version

Add mushrooms, corn, green beans, or parsnips.

7. Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Brown meat and vegetables first, then transfer to the slow cooker with broth. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.

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🍽️ What to Serve with Shepherd’s Pie Soup

This soup is hearty on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Irish soda bread
• Garlic toast
• Simple green salad
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Warm dinner rolls

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🧊 How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator

Store soup and mashed potatoes separately for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze soup (without potatoes) for up to 3 months.
Mashed potatoes do not freeze well unless mixed with cream cheese or sour cream.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Simmer gently until hot.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

Add a splash of broth if soup thickens too much.

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📌 Printable Recipe Card

Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb or beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & pepper
• 1 cup peas
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 tbsp butter

Mashed Potato Topping:

• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Brown the meat; add vegetables and garlic.
2. Stir in tomato paste and herbs.
3. Add broth and simmer 20 minutes.
4. Make a roux with butter and flour; stir into soup.
5. Add peas.
6. Prepare mashed potatoes.
7. Ladle soup into bowls and top with mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

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🎉 Final Thoughts

This Shepherd’s Pie Soup brings together everything we love about classic Shepherd’s Pie in a warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying bowl. It’s hearty enough for winter nights, simple enough for weeknights, and flexible enough for any taste. Whether you stick to the traditional flavors or explore creative variations, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

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