Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of ground meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes creates a filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
- Comforting Flavors: This soup captures the classic taste of Shepherd’s Pie, offering a nostalgic and comforting experience.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this soup is simple to make, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without extensive preparation.
- Versatile: Customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or lamb
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (prepared in advance)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or lamb, cooking until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste and Broth:
- Mix in the tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to blend with the meat and vegetables.
- Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Peas and Corn:
- Stir in the frozen peas and corn, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- While the soup simmers, warm the mashed potatoes if needed. For added richness, mix in a little butter or cream.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Spoon a generous dollop of mashed potatoes on top of each serving, spreading it slightly to cover the soup.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes for a cheesy finish.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground meat with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
- Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The soup can be frozen without the mashed potatoes for up to 2 months. Add fresh mashed potatoes when reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the meat and vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or lamb?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the mashed potatoes just before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is gluten-free. Ensure that the Worcestershire sauce used is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I use instant mashed potatoes for the topping?
Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be used for convenience. Prepare them according to the package instructions before adding
