Name: Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes (2 lbs.); ¾ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup sour cream; 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean); 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 Tablespoons salted butter; ¼ cup flour; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups half and half; ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ¼ teaspoon ground sage; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 ½ cups mixed frozen vegetables; Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food in a bowl, you’ll fall in love with this Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe. Imagine everything you adore about classic shepherd’s pie—fluffy mashed potatoes, savory beef, melty cheese, and those sweet bursts of vegetables—all transformed into a creamy, hearty soup. Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or cozy weekends, this recipe turns a nostalgic casserole into a spoonable, soul-warming meal that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat.

Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this soup is how it makes the most of basic, everyday ingredients. Each component brings something special—flavor, texture, or even that irresistible cheesy element—to the table, making this dish both simple and absolutely comforting.

Russet potatoes (4 large, about 2 lbs.): These create the creamy mashed potato layer that gives the soup its signature heartiness.
Salt (¾ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the potatoes as they cook, drawing out their natural flavor.
Sour cream (¾ cup): Adds richness and a subtle tang to the mashed potatoes.
Ground beef (1 lb., 85% lean): Gives the soup its savory base and classic shepherd’s pie character.
Yellow onion (1, diced): Brings sweetness and depth to the broth.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides an aromatic undertone that ties all the flavors together.
Salted butter (3 tablespoons): Used both in the mashed potatoes for richness and in the soup base for sautéing.
Flour (¼ cup): Thickens the soup to a creamy, satisfying consistency.
Chicken broth (4 cups): Adds body and savory complexity to the soup base.
Half and half (2 cups): Makes the soup creamy without weighing it down.
Worcestershire sauce (¾ teaspoon): Deepens the savoriness and adds a touch of umami.
Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A blend of herbs for floral, earthy notes throughout the soup.
Mustard powder (½ teaspoon): Gives depth and a slight tanginess to the broth.
Ground sage (¼ teaspoon): Infuses the soup with warmth and a hint of earthiness.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts in for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Frozen mixed vegetables (1½ cups): Adds color, sweetness, and a variety of textures.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Final seasoning adjustments to make every spoonful perfect.

How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you fire up the stove, take a few minutes to shred your cheddar cheese, measure the sour cream, and let them come to room temperature. This little detail is key to helping everything melt and blend seamlessly into your soup later.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large stock pot, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat. When the meat is nicely browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside—you’ll be adding it back in at just the right moment!

Step 3: Boil and Mash the Potatoes

While the beef is browning, peel and chop your potatoes into thirds for even cooking. Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and season with ¾ teaspoon of salt. Boil gently for about 10–15 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Drain and mash the potatoes with 1 tablespoon of butter and the sour cream. These mashed potatoes are the magic that gives this Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe its signature comfort.

Step 4: Prepare the Broth

Return to your beef pot, melt the remaining butter over medium heat, and sauté the diced onion until it’s soft and golden—about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute for that delicious aromatic boost.

Step 5: Thicken the Broth

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring constantly. Let it cook for about a minute. This crucial step gets rid of the raw flour taste and helps create a silky, satisfying soup base.

Step 6: Add the Liquids

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to loosen all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and sage. Pour in the half and half gradually, then bring the soup to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to simmer.

Step 7: Blend the Soup

Stir in the mashed potatoes, making sure they’re fully incorporated. For a beautifully smooth texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot (or transfer to a blender in batches if you don’t have one). This gives the Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe its signature velvety body.

Step 8: Finish with Beef and Vegetables

Add the ground beef back to the pot, along with the frozen mixed vegetables. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the veggies heat through and the flavors mingle deliciously.

Step 9: Stir in the Cheese

Take the soup off the heat and gently stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time. The residual heat will melt the cheese into creamy ribbons—be sure the soup isn’t boiling so the cheese stays smooth!

How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Add a fresh, colorful finish by sprinkling chopped parsley or chives on top, and maybe an extra pinch of cheddar. These garnishes not only look gorgeous but also bring a bit of freshness that balances the hearty richness of the Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe.

Side Dishes

This soup loves a good partner—think crusty bread or garlic toast to sop up every drop, or a crisp, simple green salad to lighten things up. A buttery roll or freshly baked biscuit also plays beautifully alongside your bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to turn dinner into a fun event, serve the soup in small bread bowls, or add a swirl of mashed potatoes on top for that nostalgic shepherd’s pie “crust.” Little ramekins make for adorable portioned servings, especially for a dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and become even more comforting as they sit, making for extra-tasty leftovers.

Freezing

This soup is freezer-friendly! Let it cool completely, then ladle into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, as dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. If it seems too thick (soups with potatoes and dairy often thicken in the fridge), just add a splash of broth or half and half to loosen it up. Microwave works too—just heat in short bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?

Absolutely! Using leftover mashed potatoes is a great time-saver and a delicious way to reduce waste. Just stir them in when the mashed potatoes are called for, and adjust the consistency with a little broth if needed.

What kind of ground meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb all work wonderfully in this Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe. Each brings its own flavor twist—swap them in based on whatever you have on hand or what your family prefers.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You sure can. Skip the ground beef and add a drained can of lentils or extra mixed vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full vegetarian version, and the soup will be just as cozy and satisfying.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, or use a slurry of cornstarch and water for thickening. Double-check that your broth, Worcestershire, and other seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely—this recipe doubles (or even triples) beautifully. Just use a larger stock pot and keep an eye on the seasoning; taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and seasoning blends as needed.

Final Thoughts

If you love classic, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food, there’s every reason to make this Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe your next family favorite. It’s cozy, simple, and absolutely loaded with flavor. Grab your soup spoon and dig in—you’re going to want seconds!