Shepherd’s Pie Soup

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Shepherd’s Pie Soup takes everything you love about the traditional comfort food and turns it into a cozy, spoonable meal. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with familiar flavors like ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes—but in a rich, savory broth. If you love classic shepherd’s pie, this version will warm your soul on cold nights and fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas.

This soup is perfect for busy weeknights, especially when you want a complete, filling dinner without baking a casserole. It cooks all in one pot and is incredibly versatile, too. You can swap in ground turkey, use leftover mashed potatoes, or even make it vegetarian with lentils. However you stir it, it delivers comfort by the ladle.

Why You’ll Love This Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is comfort food with a twist. It brings together the classic ingredients of the beloved dish but simplifies the process into a quick stovetop meal. You get the richness of a slow-cooked stew without spending hours in the kitchen. The mashed potatoes on top mimic that golden crust, melting into the soup for creamy bites throughout.

What makes it extra special is how adaptable it is. You can freeze it for future meals, spice it up with a dash of Worcestershire or paprika, or make it low-carb by skipping the potatoes entirely. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead meal, this soup checks all the boxes for taste and ease.

What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

Russet potatoes are your best bet for creating a fluffy, creamy mashed topping that melts smoothly into the broth. Yukon Golds also work beautifully if you like a richer, buttery texture. If you’re using leftovers, just reheat and dollop them right on top of each bowl. For a shortcut, store-bought mashed potatoes will do in a pinch—no judgment here.

Ingredients for the Shepherd’s Pie Soup

To make this soul-soothing soup, you’ll need a handful of staple ingredients that build deep flavor. The key is layering the aromatics and seasoning the broth well, so every spoonful is just as comforting as the last.

• Ground beef: Brings hearty richness and classic shepherd’s pie flavor.
• Onion: Adds savory depth as the aromatic base.
• Carrots: Provide sweetness and color, softening perfectly in the soup.
• Celery: Lends earthiness and rounds out the flavor.
• Garlic: Gives a sharp punch that enhances everything.
• Beef broth: Forms the backbone of the soup, full of umami.
• Tomato paste: Adds tangy richness and body.
• Worcestershire sauce: A splash boosts the meaty flavor.
• Thyme: Brings herby warmth that complements the beef.
• Corn: Sweet bursts that contrast the savory broth.
• Peas: Add pop and classic shepherd’s pie nostalgia.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy topping that melts into the soup.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.

How To Make the Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a large soup pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Remove and drain excess fat if needed. In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Base

Stir in garlic, tomato paste, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for a minute until the tomato paste darkens and the mixture smells rich.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the browned ground beef back into the pot. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes so the flavors can meld.

Step 4: Add Veggies & Finish

Stir in corn and peas and simmer another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Top with Mashed Potatoes

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a generous scoop of hot mashed potatoes. If you like, sprinkle with a little grated cheese or fresh thyme.

How to Serve and Store Shepherd’s Pie Soup

This soup is a meal in itself but serves beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad. It feeds about 4 to 6 people generously, especially with the mashed potatoes adding that extra comfort factor. For leftovers, store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. It also freezes well—just keep the mashed potatoes separate for the best texture when reheated.

What to Serve With Shepherd’s Pie Soup?

Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for dunking into the savory broth.

Buttered Peas

A simple and bright veggie side to echo the soup ingredients.

Irish Soda Bread

Its dense texture and mild sweetness pair well with hearty soup.

Caesar Salad

The crisp, creamy combo adds freshness to the rich soup.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized and crispy sprouts balance the soft texture of the soup.

Cheddar Biscuits

Fluffy and cheesy, they make every bite cozier.

Apple Slaw

Something cool and crunchy for contrast.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love comforting soups like this, here are a few more to warm your bowl:

• Try the Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup for something smoky and hearty.
• This Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup brings Mediterranean flavors to your mug.
• Or ladle up the Thai Curry Chicken Noodle Soup for bold spices and satisfying noodles.
• Craving something even cheesier? Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese goes great with any soup.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when you need a hug in a bowl.

Tell me how yours turned out! Did you top it with cheese? Maybe snuck in some mushrooms? I’d love to hear your twist in the comments.

Explore beautifully curated cozy meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next bowl of comfort!

Conclusion

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is the easiest way to get all the nostalgic flavors of a classic dish with way less effort. It’s deeply comforting, endlessly flexible, and just the thing when you need something hearty, fast, and homemade. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to for chilly nights or cozy weekends in.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?