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- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Cook the Ground Meat:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove any excess fat from the pot and set the meat aside.
Tip: If you’re using lamb, it adds a rich, earthy flavor that’s traditional in Shepherd’s Pie. However, ground beef works just as well for a more familiar taste.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of oil (or butter for extra richness). Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3. Add the Broth and Spices:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly. Then, pour in the beef broth and add the diced potatoes. Stir in the thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes and vegetables are tender.
Tip: If you want to make the soup even heartier, add extra potatoes or other root vegetables, like parsnips, for a comforting, chunky texture.
4. Add the Peas and Ground Meat:
Once the potatoes and vegetables are cooked through, add the frozen peas and the cooked ground meat back into the pot. Stir to combine, and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the peas are heated through. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Make the Mashed Potato Topping:
While the soup is simmering, prepare the mashed potato topping. Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Add the butter, heavy cream (or milk), salt, and pepper to the potatoes, and mash until smooth and creamy. For a fluffier texture, you can use a hand mixer or potato masher, depending on your preference. Set the mashed potatoes aside.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Ladle the hot Shepherd’s Pie Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of mashed potatoes, either spooned directly on top or swirled into the soup for extra creaminess. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Why You’ll Love Shepherd’s Pie Soup:
- All the Comfort of the Classic Dish: This soup combines all the hearty, savory flavors of traditional Shepherd’s Pie but with the added bonus of a creamy, comforting broth.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground meat, vegetables, and potatoes, this soup is both satisfying and nourishing—perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold night.
- Easy to Make: While traditional Shepherd’s Pie requires multiple layers and baking, this soup simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. You get all the great taste with less work!
- Creamy and Delicious: The creamy mashed potatoes on top bring that familiar Shepherd’s Pie texture and flavor, giving the soup an extra layer of richness.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or swap in different meats (like turkey or chicken) for a lighter version. You can also make the mashed potatoes dairy-free by using olive oil and vegetable broth instead of cream and butter.
Tips for Perfect Shepherd’s Pie Soup:
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes for the Soup: If you prefer a smoother, creamier texture in the soup itself, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great choice. They’re naturally buttery and mash well into a smooth consistency.
- Add More Veggies: While the recipe calls for carrots, celery, and peas, feel free to add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or even spinach for added nutrition.
- Make Ahead: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can even be frozen for later. Just be aware that the mashed potatoes might lose some of their creamy texture when reheated, but the flavor will still be delicious!
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend some of the soup (but not all) to thicken the broth while still leaving chunks of vegetables and meat for texture.
Conclusion:
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup is the perfect way to enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic Shepherd’s Pie in a fun, new format. It’s hearty, rich, and full of all the familiar flavors you love, but in a cozy, easy-to-make soup form. With its savory meat, tender vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, it’s the ultimate comfort food for a chilly night or a family dinner. Grab your spoon, cozy up, and enjoy this delicious twist on a beloved classic!
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