Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a cozy, hearty, and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food. This soup captures all the savory goodness of traditional shepherd’s pie—ground meat, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes—without the oven baking. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a warming meal on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is rich, satisfying, and easy to make in one pot. It combines tender ground meat, hearty vegetables, and a creamy potato topping for a filling, comforting meal. Unlike traditional shepherd’s pie, this version is faster to prepare but still delivers the familiar flavors everyone loves. It’s family-friendly, versatile, and freezes beautifully for meal prep.

Shepherd's Pie Soup

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (or lamb for traditional shepherd’s flavor)
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 medium carrots (diced)
2 celery stalks (diced)
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
4 cups beef or vegetable broth
2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared from about 2 large potatoes)
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or shredded cheddar cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef (or lamb) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove excess fat if necessary.
Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Add Peas: Stir in frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add Mashed Potatoes: Spoon mashed potatoes into the soup in dollops or stir them in for a creamy texture. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with chopped parsley or shredded cheddar cheese.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4-6 servings and takes approximately 40 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with lentils or a plant-based ground substitute.
Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie Soup: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little heat.
Herb Variations: Add fresh thyme, sage, or parsley to intensify flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors develop even more when made a day in advance.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, substitute lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat for the protein.

Can I prepare the mashed potatoes in advance?

Absolutely, pre-cooked mashed potatoes work fine and save time.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, or corn can be added for extra nutrition.

How do I make it creamier?

Mix the mashed potatoes thoroughly into the soup or add a splash of cream or milk.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen carrots, peas, or celery work; just adjust cooking time slightly.

How long will this soup last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this soup with mashed potatoes?

Yes, but the texture may slightly change; consider freezing mashed potatoes separately for best results.

Can I add herbs for extra flavor?

Yes, fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary can be added before serving for a fresh taste.

Conclusion

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make dish that combines all the flavors of classic shepherd’s pie in a warming, one-pot soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it’s filling, flavorful, and adaptable to your preferences. This soup is a delicious way to enjoy the taste of comfort food without the long baking time.

Jane