Name: Shepherd's Pie Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 cup diced carrots; 1 cup green peas; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup milk or cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish); 2 tablespoons butter (for mashed potatoes); 1/4 cup milk (for mashed potatoes); Salt to taste (for mashed potatoes)

When comfort food and cozy soup collide, the result is this dreamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup. It’s a warm, creamy bowl of everything you love about the traditional dish: tender ground beef, sweet peas, diced carrots, and buttery mashed potatoes. But instead of layering, it’s all spoon-ready and simmered into one rich, satisfying bowl.

Whether you’re braving a chilly evening or just craving something hearty and homemade, this soup delivers all the comfort with half the effort. It’s a clever spin on a classic that turns a beloved casserole into a weekday-friendly, one-pot meal. Plus, it freezes well and reheats like a charm!

What Kind of Ground Meat Works Best?

While traditional Shepherd’s Pie uses lamb, this soup thrives with ground beef for a deeper, nostalgic flavor that most households are familiar with. That said, ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles can work beautifully if you’re after a lighter or vegetarian option.

A fattier ground beef (like 80/20) will yield a richer broth, but you can always drain excess grease for a cleaner result. The real flavor comes from the base of sautéed onions and garlic mingling with beef, herbs, and broth—so don’t skip the browning step!

Ingredients for the Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Ground beef: The foundation of this soup. It adds protein, flavor, and that signature Shepherd’s Pie heartiness.

Potatoes: Mashed and creamy, they’re swirled in or dolloped on top for that iconic texture.

Carrots: Diced small so they soften perfectly while adding subtle sweetness and color.

Green peas: Classic and bright, they bring balance to the richness.

Yellow onion: Provides aromatic depth and rounds out the savory flavor.

Garlic: A must for that warm, inviting base.

Butter & flour: Together, they create the roux that thickens the soup just right.

Beef broth: Builds the meaty, comforting flavor in every spoonful.

Milk or cream: Adds silky richness and brings everything together.

Seasonings: Think thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper—simple but essential for that homey, familiar taste.

How To Make the Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain off excess grease if needed and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, melt a tablespoon of butter and add diced onions and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This base builds the savory depth of flavor for the whole soup.

Step 3: Add the Veggies and Roux

Stir in the diced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes. Then, sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir until it forms a paste. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes to remove any raw taste.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to deglaze the pot. Add cooked ground beef back in, along with peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the carrots are tender and the soup thickens.

Step 5: Stir in Creaminess

Reduce heat and add milk or cream, stirring gently to combine. Let it warm through for a few more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Make the Mashed Potatoes

While the soup simmers, boil peeled and cubed potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash them with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.

Step 7: Serve and Swirl

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous spoonful of mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. You can stir them into the soup or leave them as a creamy topping—your choice!

How to Serve and Store Shepherd’s Pie Soup

This cozy soup is best served hot in generous bowls with a fluffy scoop of mashed potatoes on top. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or shredded cheddar cheese makes a beautiful finishing touch. For a full meal, pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for contrast.

Leftovers? Even better. Store the soup and mashed potatoes separately in airtight containers. The soup will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy texture. For mashed potatoes, a quick reheat with a little butter brings them right back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of potatoes are best for mashing?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for smooth, fluffy mashed potatoes. They hold up well and create that dreamy texture we all love.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just store the mashed potatoes and soup separately and combine when ready to serve.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes! Use plant-based ground meat and swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. All the cozy, none of the meat.

How do I thicken the soup more?

Add an extra tablespoon of flour during the roux step, or let the soup simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

You can! Frozen carrots and peas work perfectly. Just add them in with the broth and let them cook through.

What cheese works best if I want a cheesy version?

Aged cheddar or a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella melts beautifully and adds depth without overpowering the soup.

Want More Cozy Soup Ideas?

If you enjoyed the comforting flavors of Shepherd’s Pie Soup, here are some other soul-warming bowls to try next:

Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is ultra-rich with pasta and cheesy goodness.
Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup brings a bold, spicy twist to your dinner table.
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is the definition of cozy with meat, potatoes, and cheese in every bite.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup transforms the classic pie into a comforting soup bowl.
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo isn’t a soup, but its creamy base is a must-try for cozy dinner nights.

Each one is a little different but still packed with that same feel-good energy perfect for chilly nights or slow weekends.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when the soup craving hits: Follow Life with Jam on Pinterest.

Tried it? Leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out! Did you top with cheese? Try it vegetarian? I’d love to hear your twist on it—and feel free to ask questions so we can all perfect our next bowl.

Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A cozy twist on the classic casserole, this Shepherd’s Pie Soup is creamy, savory, and loaded with comforting flavors. Ground beef, sweet carrots, tender peas, and fluffy mashed potatoes come together in a hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly nights or meal prep.

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.

2. In the same pot, melt butter. Add diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add diced carrots and cook for another 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour and stir into a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.

4. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring. Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until carrots are tender.

5. Stir in milk or cream and reduce heat. Let warm through and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Meanwhile, boil potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, and salt until smooth.

7. Serve soup hot with a scoop of mashed potatoes on top. Garnish with parsley if desired.