Ah, Shepherd’s Pie Soup! Just saying the name conjures up the warm, comforting vibes that I adore. Growing up, my grandmother would whip up a classic Shepherd’s Pie on chilly evenings, filling our home with aromas of savory beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. But here’s the twist: one cold winter night, I decided to take everything I loved about that dish and transform it into a soup! And boy, am I glad I did—it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl.
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup brings all of that nostalgic goodness together in a delightful, hearty soup. It has the essence of the traditional dish but with a warming, velvety broth that just begs to be slurped up. Plus, it’s a perfect excuse to sneak in those veggies, making it a win-win for both the taste buds and nutrition.
## What’s in Shepherd’s Pie Soup?
Let’s dive into the delightful ingredients that make this soup feel like a warm hug.
Ground Lamb or Beef: The star protein of this dish! I often switch between ground lamb for that traditional flavor and beef for a more familiar taste. Both are delicious!
Onion: Chopped onions add an aromatic base that enhances the soup’s flavor. I prefer sweet onions for their mildness.
Carrots: Diced carrots bring in both sweetness and color, just like in a traditional Shepherd’s Pie. Fresh ones are great, but frozen work beautifully in a pinch.
Celery: This crunchy vegetable adds depth and texture. Plus, who doesn’t love the subtle flavor it contributes?
Garlic: A couple of minced cloves amp up the savory flavor of the broth. You can never go wrong with garlic!
Vegetable Broth: I usually opt for low-sodium vegetable broth to keep the soup’s flavor light and fresh. There are so many great brands out there!
Peeled Potatoes: Diced potatoes are essential for that comforting, starchy texture. They thicken the soup and keep it hearty.
Frozen Peas: What’s Shepherd’s Pie without peas? I love adding them at the end for that pop of color and sweetness.
Thyme and Rosemary: Fresh herbs are a must! They bring a wonderful aroma that truly elevates the dish. If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs work too.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, of course! Just remember to adjust to taste.
## Is Shepherd’s Pie Soup Good for You?
Absolutely! This soup is packed with veggies, which means you’re getting a bounty of nutrients.
Ground Lamb or Beef: A great source of protein that helps keep you full longer. Ground lamb is richer in iron and zinc, while beef provides B vitamins.
Carrots and Peas: Both are fantastic sources of vitamins A and C, essential for immune health and skin. Plus, that vibrant color means they pack in antioxidants!
Potatoes: They might get a bad rap sometimes, but potatoes provide carbs that give you energy, along with vitamins and fiber.
Just make sure to watch the portion sizes and opt for leaner proteins to keep things heart-healthy. Overall, this Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a comforting, nutritious meal that feels indulgent without the guilt!
## Ingredients for Shepherd’s Pie Soup (Serves 4-6)
– 1 lb ground lamb or beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
## How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup?
1. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the veggies are softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ground lamb or beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced potatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Finally, stir in the frozen peas, season generously with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve hot, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, top it with a dollop of sour cream or fresh herbs!
## Warm Hugs in a Bowl
For a little variation, you can swap in any vegetables you have on hand—zucchini, green beans, or kale would all be great options. This soup also freezes beautifully, so you can always make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
I can’t wait for you to try this Shepherd’s Pie Soup! It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel good inside, not to mention it’s quick to whip up. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out—let me know your thoughts and any personal touches you added! Happy cooking!
