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Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or lamb) and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, if necessary, and set the meat aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
- Return the cooked ground meat to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables. Add the beef broth, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.
Step 4: Stir in the Potatoes and Peas
- Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the mashed potatoes and frozen peas. If using prepared mashed potatoes, simply add them directly to the soup and stir until fully incorporated. For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup before adding the potatoes.
- If you’d like a creamier soup, add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, until it’s heated through and well blended.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or rolls for dipping.
Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie Soup
- Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes: If you have leftover mashed potatoes, this is the perfect recipe to use them up. If you don’t have mashed potatoes, instant mashed potatoes can be used for a quicker version.
- Add Other Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or parsnips to enhance the flavor and texture.
- Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. You can also skip the cream for a more broth-based soup.
- Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with some of the broth before adding it to the soup. This will help create a velvety texture.
- Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
- With Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll pairs perfectly with this hearty soup. It’s great for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Topped with Cheese: For extra richness, top each bowl of soup with shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled bacon for a flavorful garnish.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the soup.
Why Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a Must-Try
Shepherd’s Pie Soup combines the best parts of a classic dish into a delicious and comforting soup. The rich, savory broth, tender meat, creamy potatoes, and mixed vegetables all come together to create a meal that’s hearty enough for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to serve at a family gathering, this soup is the perfect solution.
Its versatile nature, rich flavor, and satisfying texture make it a new take on an old favorite, and it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Give this recipe a try, and soon you’ll be enjoying the comforting taste of shepherd’s pie in a whole new way!
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