Cozy Shepherds Pie Soup with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe

The Heartwarming Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe You’ll Adore

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this hearty shepherd’s pie soup that combines classic flavors in a warming bowl.

Rich ground beef mingles with tender vegetables and a savory broth that captures the essence of traditional comfort food.

Layers of melted cheese and creamy mashed potatoes create a luxurious texture that makes this soup irresistible.

The recipe brings together familiar ingredients in a clever twist on the beloved shepherd’s pie.

Warm and satisfying, each bite promises a delightful blend of rustic flavors that will chase away the winter chill.

Tender meat, soft potatoes, and a cheesy finish make this soup a perfect meal for any day of the week.

Grab a ladle and prepare to be transported to a world of pure culinary comfort.

Cozy Shepherd’s Pie Soup What Makes It Comforting

  • Transforms classic shepherd's pie into a warm, hearty soup that hugs your taste buds with familiar, rich flavors.
  • Combines simple ingredients and minimal prep steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
  • Packed with kid-approved ingredients like ground beef, corn, and cheese, this recipe appeals to all ages and satisfies picky eaters while providing balanced nutrition.
  • Streamlines cooking process by using a single pot, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation stress-free and convenient for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients for Cheesy Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides richness and protein to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix that creates a deep, aromatic foundation for the soup.
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent flavor to enhance the overall taste.
  • Frozen Peas, Frozen Corn: Sweet and tender vegetables that bring color and texture to the dish.
Liquid and Seasoning Base:
  • Beef Broth: Creates a rich and savory liquid foundation for the soup.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to brown the meat and sauté the vegetables with a smooth flavor.
  • Tomato Paste: Provides depth and a slight tangy richness to the soup.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Offers a complex, umami flavor that enhances the meat's taste.
  • Thyme, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that add warmth, complexity, and balance to the soup.
Topping:
  • Mashed Potatoes: A creamy and comforting layer that adds richness and texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and melty finish to the soup.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a subtle herbal note.

Tools for Hearty Soup Success

  • Large Pot: Essential for browning beef and cooking the entire soup base.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking up ground beef while cooking.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, and celery.
  • Sharp Knife: Critical for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add seasonings like thyme and paprika.
  • Ladle: Used for serving soup into individual bowls.
  • Cheese Grater: Necessary for creating fresh grated cheddar cheese topping.

Steps for Cozy Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Toss in ground beef and cook until it transforms into delicious golden-brown crumbles.

Break apart the meat while cooking and drain any extra fat to keep things light and tasty.

Step 2: Wake Up The Vegetables

Introduce the diced onions, carrots, and celery into the pot.

Let them dance and soften for 5-7 minutes.

Invite minced garlic to the party and let it sizzle for another 1-2 minutes, releasing its magical aroma.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Foundation

Pour in these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Beef broth
  • Tomato paste
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Thyme
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Bring everything to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover and let the ingredients get to know each other for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Add Some Green And Sweet Companions

Stir in frozen peas and corn.

Let them warm up for about 5 minutes, adding a pop of color and sweetness to your soup.

Step 5: Craft The Creamy Potato Topping

Whip up some dreamy mashed potatoes.

Feel free to use leftover potatoes or quickly prepare a fresh batch with butter, milk, and a pinch of love.

Step 6: Create Your Comfort Bowl

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Crown each serving with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes.

Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese and fresh parsley on top for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Tips for Cheesy, Savory Shepherd’s Pie Soup

  • Pat the ground beef dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance the meat's rich flavor.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Let the soup simmer slowly to allow the herbs and spices to develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • Use warm milk and butter when making mashed potatoes for a creamier, smoother topping that melts beautifully into the soup.
  • Allow the cheese to sit for a minute after sprinkling to create a deliciously melty and slightly crispy top layer.

Shepherd’s Pie Soup Variations

  • Veggie Shepherd's Delight: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version. Perfect for meat-free diets.
  • Lamb Lover's Bowl: Replace ground beef with ground lamb for an authentic British-style shepherd's soup. Enhances traditional flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free beef broth and ensure tomato paste is certified gluten-free. Ideal for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute mashed potatoes with cauliflower mash. Reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.

Serving Shepherd’s Pie Soup for Family Meals

  • Comfort Food Feast: Top it with a generous dollop of creamy mashed potatoes and watch the cheese melt into a golden, irresistible topping.
  • Hearty Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or warm garlic bread to soak up every delicious drop of this rich, meaty soup.
  • Cozy Dinner Setting: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's hearty flavors and add a fresh, zesty contrast.
  • Winter Warmth Pairing: Add a glass of robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the beef and enhance the comforting meal experience.

Storage Tips for Shepherd’s Pie Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain quality.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Separate mashed potatoes before freezing to prevent texture changes.
  • Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of broth if needed to restore moisture.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth to thin if necessary. Reheat mashed potatoes separately to maintain their creamy texture.

FAQs

  • What makes this soup different from traditional shepherd's pie?

This soup transforms the classic casserole into a comforting one-pot meal, keeping all the beloved flavors of shepherd’s pie but in a warming, easy-to-serve liquid form.

  • Can I use ground lamb instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground lamb is traditional in shepherd’s pie and will give the soup an authentic, richer flavor profile that’s closer to the original dish.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe isn’t automatically gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free beef broth and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.

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Cozy Shepherds Pie Soup with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe

Cozy Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Mashed Potatoes and Cheese Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty shepherd’s pie soup brings comfort from Ireland’s culinary traditions. Warm cheese-topped potatoes and savory meat blend perfectly for you to enjoy this classic winter meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup frozen corn

Liquid, Seasonings, and Toppings:

  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups mashed potatoes (prepared separately)
  • 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a spacious pot, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into the pot, cooking until deep brown and thoroughly separated. Eliminate excess grease through draining.
  2. Introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery into the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become tender. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, releasing aromatic flavors.
  3. Pour beef broth, blend in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Elevate temperature to boiling, then reduce to low heat. Cover and allow mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes, enabling ingredients to harmonize.
  4. Gently fold frozen peas and corn into the simmering liquid. Continue cooking for 5 minutes, ensuring vegetables reach optimal temperature and integrate with the soup’s rich profile.
  5. Simultaneously prepare creamy mashed potatoes. Whether using previously prepared or crafting fresh, ensure smooth, buttery consistency that complements the hearty soup.
  6. Transfer steaming soup into serving bowls. Crown each portion with a generous dollop of mashed potatoes. Shower with grated cheddar cheese and sprinkle fresh parsley for a vibrant, inviting presentation.

Notes

  • Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, ensuring a cleaner, lighter soup texture.
  • Use lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a healthier protein option.
  • Add depth by deglazing the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the meat, intensifying the flavor profile.
  • Customize vegetables by incorporating seasonal or frozen mixed vegetables for added nutrition and variety.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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