Shepherd's pie, a classic comfort food, is transformed into an easy-to-prepare soup. It's a hearty, warming dish that combines all the flavors of the original pie. This recipe introduces a fun twist with potato puffs that float on the top, creating an appealing and delicious meal.
Most of the ingredients for the Shepherd's Pie Soup are relatively common and can be found in your pantry. However, if you don't usually stock Kitchen Basics® Original Beef Stock or a dried assortment of herbs like rosemary and thyme, you might want to add them to your shopping list. The recipe also calls for small potatoes; any small variety like Yukon Gold or reds will do. Lastly, for the potato puffs, you’ll need egg yolks and heavy cream, which might not be in your regular grocery rotation.
Shepherd's Pie Soup Ingredients
Olive oil: A staple in most kitchens, it's used to saute the beef and vegetables.
Ground beef: Forms the meaty base of this soup. Lean ground beef is preferred to reduce the amount of fat.
Onion and Garlic: They provide the foundation of flavor for the soup.
Potatoes: Small potatoes work best in this soup as they cook quicker and are bite-sized.
Beef stock: This forms the soup base. Kitchen Basics® Original Beef Stock is recommended for its rich flavor.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary give the soup its traditional Shepherd's Pie flavor.
Tomato paste and Bay leaf: They deepen the soup's flavor.
Flour: This is used to thicken the soup.
Frozen vegetables: Peas and carrots add color, texture, and nutritional value to the soup.
Corn: Adds sweetness and crunch to the soup.
Butter: It adds richness to the potato puffs.
Heavy cream: Used in the potato puffs to make them creamy and light.
Egg yolks: They give the potato puffs their rich, golden color.
One reader, Danielle Wofford says:
This shepherd's pie soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the potato puffs on top are a delightful surprise. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a cozy night in. I highly recommend trying it out!
Cooking Techniques for Shepherd's Pie Soup Recipe
How to brown ground beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
How to simmer soup: After adding the potatoes, beef stock, herbs, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and bay leaf to the pot, bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
How to make potato puffs: Cook the potatoes until tender, then mash them until smooth. Add butter, cream, egg yolks, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Pipe or scoop the mixture into small puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
How To Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup
In this shepherd’s pie soup, flavors from the beloved savory pie are infused in a hearty and filling soup. Serve up a warm bowl of this for dinner tonight!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Soup:
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1lblean ground beef,or lean ground lamb
- 1large onion,diced
- 3garlic cloves,minced
- 12ozsmall potatoes,peeled, diced
- 7cupsKitchen Basics® Original Beef Stock,divided
- 1tspdried thyme
- 1tspdried rosemary,crushed
- 2tbsptomato paste
- 1bay leaf
- ½tspsalt,or to taste
- ½tsppepper,or to taste
- ¼cupflour
- 2cupsfrozen peas and carrots
- 1cupcorn,canned, or frozen corn
For Potato Puffs:
- 1½lbspotatoes,about 3 small
- 4tbspbutter,divided
- ¼cupheavy cream
- 2egg yolks
- salt and pepper,to taste
Instructions
Soup:
-
In a large pot, brown the onion, ground beef and garlic in olive oil until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
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Add the potatoes, 6 cups of Kitchen Basics® Original Beef Stock, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, tomato paste and bay leaf. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
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Combine the flour with the remaining 1 cup stock in a bowl. Add the flour and stock mix with the corn and frozen peas and carrots in the pot.
-
Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes more.
Potato Puffs:
-
Cook the potatoes until tender. Drain, then allow to cool and dry for several minutes.
-
Mash the potatoes until very smooth or pass through a ricer. Add 3 tablespoons of butter, cream, egg yolks, salt, and pepper, then mix.
-
Pipe or scoop into small puffs onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
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Melt 1 tablespoon of butter, then lightly brush each potato puff.
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Bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
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Ladle the soup into bowls, then place the potato puffs on top.
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Garnish with fresh parsley, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 457.92kcal
- Fat: 23.36g
- Saturated Fat: 10.47g
- Trans Fat: 0.90g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.14g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.23g
- Carbohydrates: 43.23g
- Fiber: 6.72g
- Sugar: 7.93g
- Protein: 20.88g
- Cholesterol: 102.24mg
- Sodium: 1222.91mg
- Calcium: 92.48mg
- Potassium: 1390.37mg
- Iron: 4.10mg
- Vitamin A: 389.26µg
- Vitamin C: 37.04mg
Expert Technique Tip for Shepherd's Pie Soup Recipe
When making the potato puffs, ensure that the potatoes are mashed until very smooth. Any lumps can affect the texture and appearance of the puffs. Using a ricer can help achieve a smoother consistency. Also, when brushing the puffs with butter, do it gently to avoid deflating them. This will ensure your puffs are light, fluffy, and golden brown when baked.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Shepherd's Pie Soup
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cooking equipment to save time on cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets such as food processors and slow cookers to simplify meal preparation.
Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to minimize time spent searching for ingredients and utensils.
Substitute Ingredients For Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in cooking.
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a lean and healthy alternative to ground beef, providing a similar texture and flavor in the soup.
small potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a slightly sweet and creamy texture to the soup, complementing the savory flavors of the dish.
kitchen basics® original beef stock - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian-friendly alternative to beef stock, providing a rich and flavorful base for the soup.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano offers a similar earthy and aromatic flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement for thyme in the recipe.
dried rosemary - Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram shares similar herbal and slightly floral notes, making it a good substitute for rosemary in the soup.
tomato paste - Substitute with sundried tomato paste: Sun-dried tomato paste adds a deeper and richer flavor to the soup, enhancing the overall taste and complexity of the dish.
frozen peas and carrots - Substitute with frozen mixed vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables provide a convenient blend of peas, carrots, and other vegetables, adding color and nutrition to the soup.
corn - Substitute with chopped green beans: Chopped green beans offer a similar texture and mild sweetness, complementing the other ingredients in the soup.
potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be used as a low-carb alternative, adding a creamy texture and absorbing the flavors of the soup.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee provides a rich and nutty flavor, similar to butter, and is suitable for sautéing and adding richness to the potato puffs.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream offers a dairy-free alternative with a creamy texture, adding richness to the potato puffs.
egg yolks - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Flaxseed meal can be used as a vegan-friendly alternative to egg yolks, providing binding and moisture to the potato puffs.
Presentation Tips for Serving Shepherd's Pie Soup
Elevate the potato puffs: Create small, perfectly shaped potato puffs using a piping bag to ensure uniformity and a professional appearance. Brush them with a delicate touch of melted butter to achieve a golden, glossy finish.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of vibrant color and a hint of freshness. The bright green hue will contrast beautifully against the rich, hearty soup, creating an eye-catching presentation.
Focus on precision: When ladling the soup into the bowls, aim for a clean and precise pour. The soup should be evenly distributed, and any drips or spills should be carefully wiped away to maintain a pristine presentation.
Emphasize balance: Pay attention to the placement of the potato puffs on top of the soup. Arrange them in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each bowl receives an equal and balanced portion for a harmonious presentation.
Highlight the layers: Showcase the layers of flavors and textures in the soup by using transparent bowls. This will allow the vibrant colors of the vegetables and the golden potato puffs to shine through, creating an enticing visual display.
Incorporate elegant serveware: Choose elegant, high-quality bowls that complement the sophistication of the dish. Opt for porcelain or ceramic bowls with a refined design to elevate the overall dining experience.
Attention to detail: Before serving, inspect each bowl meticulously to ensure that the presentation is flawless. Any imperfections should be corrected, and the final presentation should exude precision and attention to detail.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shepherd's Pie Soup
- Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking soups, stews, and stocks. It allows for even heat distribution and ample space for ingredients to simmer and meld together.
- Skillet: A skillet is used for browning the ground beef, onions, and garlic. It provides a large surface area for even cooking and browning of the ingredients.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to bake the potato puffs. It provides a flat, even surface for the puffs to cook and brown evenly.
- Piping bag: A piping bag is used to pipe the mashed potato mixture into small puffs onto the baking sheet. It allows for precise and uniform shaping of the potato puffs.
- Potato masher or ricer: A potato masher or ricer is used to mash the cooked potatoes until smooth. It helps achieve a creamy and lump-free texture for the potato puffs.
- Brush: A brush is used to lightly coat the potato puffs with melted butter before baking. It ensures an even and golden brown finish on the puffs.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Shepherd's Pie Soup
- To store leftover shepherd's pie soup, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating the refrigerated soup, ensure it is heated thoroughly until steaming hot throughout. Adjust the consistency by adding a little beef stock or water if needed.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the shepherd's pie soup. Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents before placing them in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen shepherd's pie soup, first, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, transfer the thawed soup to a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is steaming hot throughout.
- It's best to freeze the potato puffs separately from the soup. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the potato puffs to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- To reheat frozen potato puffs, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on the outside.
- When serving reheated shepherd's pie soup, garnish with freshly made potato puffs for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen potato puffs, reheat them just before serving the soup.
How To Reheat Leftover Shepherd's Pie Soup
Reheat the shepherd's pie soup in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure even reheating without overcooking the vegetables or drying out the ground beef.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, transfer the leftover soup to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the potatoes to become mushy.
For a crispy twist on leftover shepherd's pie soup, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and top it with a layer of mashed potatoes, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through. This method creates a delicious, crispy top layer reminiscent of traditional shepherd's pie.
If you have leftover potato puffs, reheat them separately in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside. This will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy when reheated with the soup.
For a creamier reheated soup, add a splash of heavy cream or milk when reheating on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to incorporate the dairy and adjust the seasoning if needed. This will help revive the soup's texture and flavor after being stored in the refrigerator.
Interesting Trivia About Shepherd's Pie Soup
The Shepherd's Pie Soup recipe is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. It combines the heartiness of a shepherd's pie with the warmth of a soup, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish. This recipe offers a unique way to enjoy the traditional flavors in a convenient and comforting soup form.
Budget-Friendly: Making Shepherd's Pie Soup at Home
This shepherd's pie soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as ground beef, potatoes, and frozen peas and carrots, are affordable and readily available. The use of simple, staple ingredients makes this recipe budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20. The hearty and satisfying nature of this soup makes it a great option for a family meal. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is Shepherd's Pie Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The shepherd's pie soup recipe is a hearty and comforting dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to some of its ingredients and preparation methods. Here's an analysis of the recipe:
- The recipe uses lean ground beef, which is a good source of protein but can still be high in saturated fat.
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of potatoes, which are high in carbohydrates and can contribute to a high glycemic load.
- The use of butter and heavy cream in the potato puffs adds extra saturated fat and calories to the dish.
- The recipe includes some vegetables, such as onions, peas, carrots, and corn, which provide some fiber and nutrients.
- The use of kitchen basics® original beef stock may add extra sodium to the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the ground beef with a leaner protein source, such as ground turkey or lentils, to reduce the overall fat content.
- Reduce the amount of potatoes used in the soup and potato puffs, and replace some of them with lower-carb alternatives like cauliflower or parsnips.
- Use a lower-fat milk or milk alternative instead of heavy cream in the potato puffs to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Increase the amount and variety of vegetables in the soup, such as adding celery, mushrooms, or kale, to boost the fiber and nutrient content.
- Use a low-sodium beef stock or make your own to control the amount of added salt in the dish.
- Experiment with using herbs and spices to add flavor instead of relying on salt.
Editor's Opinion on This Shepherd's Pie Soup Recipe
This Shepherd's Pie Soup recipe is a delightful twist on the classic dish. The combination of savory ground beef, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a rich and comforting soup. The addition of potato puffs adds a fun and unexpected element, elevating the dish to a new level. The flavors are well-balanced, and the presentation is impressive. Overall, this recipe offers a satisfying and delicious dining experience.
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Why trust this Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for all comfort food lovers. The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary, and the heartiness of potatoes creates a rich and satisfying soup. The addition of frozen peas and carrots and corn brings a burst of sweetness and color. The potato puffs on top add a delightful crunch and creamy texture. With the use of high-quality beef stock and the careful balance of flavors, this recipe promises to deliver a comforting and delicious dining experience.
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