Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a cozy, hearty dish that captures the flavors of a traditional Shepherd’s Pie in soup form. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for colder months, with rich flavors from the meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, all combined into a delicious broth.

Here’s a recipe for Shepherd’s Pie Soup:

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both for authenticity)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 2 cups frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening, optional)

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup milk or cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

1. Cook the potatoes: In a large pot, boil the diced potatoes in salted water for about 10-15 minutes, or until tender.
2. Mash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes, and then mash them with butter, milk (or cream), salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

Prepare the Soup:

1. Cook the meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or lamb) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
3. Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, and some salt and pepper. Cook for another minute. Then, add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, so the flavors meld together.
4. Add peas: Stir in the frozen peas and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Assemble the Soup:

1. Thicken the soup (optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, you can sprinkle in the flour and stir it through the soup. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the soup thickens.
2. Top with mashed potatoes: Spoon the mashed potatoes on top of the soup in individual bowls (or serve family-style), allowing the creamy potatoes to sit on top of the savory soup.
3. Serve: Garnish with extra herbs, if desired, and serve hot. For extra richness, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.

Tips:

• You can use a slow cooker to make this dish. Brown the meat and vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer everything into the slow cooker along with the broth, seasonings, and peas. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the mashed potatoes just before serving.
• For a lighter version, you can skip the mashed potatoes or use cauliflower mash instead.

Enjoy your Shepherd’s Pie Soup as a delicious and filling meal!