Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced

1 pound ground beef (or lamb)

1 cup onion, diced

1 cup carrots, diced

2 cloves garlic, chopped

2 tablespoons tomato paste

4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth)

1 1/2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon rosemary

1 teaspoon thyme

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup sour cream

1 cup aged white cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)

1 cup frozen peas

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Place the potatoes in a pot, cover in water, bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the beef, onions and carrots in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, breaking the beef apart as it cooks, until the beef is cooked through, and drain off any excess grease.

Add the garlic and tomato paste to the beef and cook until fragrant, about a minute.

Add half of the broth, the remaining potatoes, the Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, thyme and bay leaves to the beef, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Meanwhile, when the potatoes from step 1 are cooked, drain them and puree them, along with the sour cream and butter and the remaining broth before mixing into the soup.

When the diced potatoes in the soup are tender, add the cheddar and let it melt into the soup, about 2 minutes.

Add the peas and heat, about 2 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

Notes:

Potato Preparation:

Peeling and cooking the potatoes until tender is essential for achieving the desired texture and creaminess in the soup. Pureeing them with sour cream and butter adds richness and thickness to the broth.

Protein Variation:

You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb to make a flavorful lamb Shepherd’s Pie Soup. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein used.

Broth Options:

Vegetable broth can be used as a suitable alternative to chicken or beef broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.

Herb Substitutions:

If rosemary and thyme are not available, substitute with other dried or fresh herbs like oregano, marjoram, or savory to enhance the soup’s flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Option:

Omitting the cheese will create a dairy-free version of the soup while still maintaining its delicious flavor.

Storage and Freezing:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup can also be frozen, but note that potatoes may have a slightly different texture upon thawing.

Meal Pairing:

Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup with a side salad, crusty bread, or a light dessert like fruit salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Sweet Potato Variation:

Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a unique and slightly sweeter flavor profile. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the type of potatoes used.

Vegetarian Version:

Create a vegetarian version of this soup by using plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.

Make-Ahead Preparation:

Prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Add frozen peas and adjust seasoning just before serving for optimal freshness.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories 504, Fat 30g (Saturated 13g, Trans 1g), Cholesterol 94mg, Sodium 529mg, Carbs 55g (Fiber 7g, Sugars 8g), Protein 28g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground lamb instead of ground beef in this soup?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground lamb for ground beef to make a delicious lamb Shepherd’s Pie Soup.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes before cooking them?

Peeling the potatoes is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you prefer a more rustic soup, you can leave the skins on.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth?

Absolutely! You can use vegetable broth as a suitable alternative to chicken or beef broth for a vegetarian version.

What other herbs can I use if I don’t have rosemary and thyme?

If you don’t have rosemary and thyme, you can use dried or fresh herbs like oregano, marjoram, or savory.

Can I omit the cheese for a dairy-free version?

Yes, you can omit the cheese for a dairy-free version, and the soup will still be flavorful and delicious.

How do I store leftovers, and can I freeze this soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

You can freeze the soup for longer storage; however, potatoes may have a slightly different texture upon thawing.

What can I serve alongside Shepherd’s Pie Soup for a complete meal?

A simple side salad, crusty bread, or a light dessert like fruit salad complements Shepherd’s Pie Soup nicely.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for a unique flavor twist.

Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is there a vegetarian version of Shepherd’s Pie Soup?

Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by using plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Certainly! You can prepare the soup ahead and reheat it when ready to serve.

Just add the peas and adjust seasoning before serving.