Description

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a rich, hearty, and creamy comfort dish inspired by the traditional layered casserole. This soup combines seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and buttery mashed potatoes into a bowl full of warmth and memory. I love making it with carrots, peas, celery, and leftover mashed potatoes—it’s a simple recipe that brings nostalgic flavors with a velvety finish. Some cooks call it a deconstructed shepherd’s pie soup or even a mashed potato stew. I’ve tested versions with both fresh and leftover mash, and they work beautifully. Among comfort soups, Shepherd’s Pie Soup stands out for its homey flavor, kid-friendly texture, and make-ahead ease. It absolutely deserves a spot in your fall and winter recipe lineup.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef (85/15 recommended)

1 cup yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

4 cups beef broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 cup frozen peas

1/3 cup heavy cream

2 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or freshly made)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Warm the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

2. Add diced onions and garlic, and cook until fragrant.

3. Stir in ground beef, breaking it up as it browns evenly.

4. Season with thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

5. Add carrots and celery, and cook until they begin to soften.

6. Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

7. Cover partially and cook until vegetables are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

8. Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning if needed.

9. Add peas and cook for another 3-5 minutes until bright and tender.

10. Gently fold in mashed potatoes and let the soup thicken for 5 minutes.

11. Remove from heat and allow it to rest before serving.

12. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra richness, use homemade mashed potatoes instead of instant.

Add a bay leaf during simmering for more depth; just remember to remove it before serving.

Leftovers reheat beautifully, and the flavors deepen overnight.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
Calories: 410
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Shepherd’s Pie Soup, mashed potato soup, ground beef comfort soup