Name: Creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs); ¾ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon salted butter; 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean); 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups mixed frozen vegetables; 3 tablespoons salted butter (divided); 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; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of comfort food to brighten up any day, and this Creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe does exactly that in the most delightful way. Imagine all the beloved flavors of classic shepherd’s pie – tender ground beef, savory vegetables, luscious mashed potatoes, and melted cheese – all transformed into a rich, comforting soup with a creamy broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re serving a crowd or craving a cozy night meal, this hearty soup is sure to become one of your favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side views of cooking preparation. On the left, there is a white pot filled with cooked ground beef that is brown and crumbly, being stirred with a black slotted spatula positioned on the right side inside the pot. On the right, peeled yellow potatoes are cut into large chunks and soaking in clear water inside a white pot, filling the pot about halfway. The background is a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together perfectly to deliver taste, texture, and that irresistible creamy finish. Each component plays a key role: the potatoes bring velvety smoothness, the ground beef adds robust flavor, and the seasonings round out every bite with warmth.

4 large russet potatoes: The starchy foundation for perfectly creamy mashed potatoes that thicken the soup beautifully.
¾ teaspoon salt: To season the potatoes while boiling and enhance overall flavor.
¾ cup sour cream: Adds tang and creamy richness to the mashed potatoes.
1 lb. ground beef (85% lean): Provides hearty texture and classic shepherd’s pie taste.
1 yellow onion, diced: Sweetness and depth during the sauté stage.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic boost that complements the beef perfectly.
3 tablespoons salted butter, divided: Used for cooking and enriching the mash for smoothness.
¼ cup flour: Essential for thickening the soup’s broth to creamy perfection.
4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that blends all ingredients together.
2 cups half and half: Adds luscious creaminess without overpowering.
¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds subtle umami and depth.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Herbaceous notes that bring warmth to the soup.
½ teaspoon mustard powder: Gentle tang that brightens the broth.
¼ teaspoon ground sage: Earthy herb that complements the beef and potatoes.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melted in for gooey, cheesy goodness.
1½ cups mixed frozen vegetables: Colorful, nutritious bites that add texture and fresh flavor.
Salt and pepper, to taste: For perfect seasoning balance.

How to Make Creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking, shred your cheddar cheese, measure out the sour cream and half and half, and let them all come to room temperature. This simple prep ensures better melting and smooth blending throughout the process.

Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Ground Beef

Over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily, then set the beef aside. This step builds the meaty base you expect from a shepherd’s pie.

Step 3: Boil and Mash the Potatoes

Peel and cut the russet potatoes into thirds, then cover them with water in a stock pot, sprinkle in salt, and boil gently until fork tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and mash them gently with sour cream and a tablespoon of butter. This mash will be swirled into the soup, giving it that signature creamy texture and flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Flavorful Broth

Melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then cook the diced onions until they soften and turn translucent, around five minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for one more minute to bring out fragrant aromas. This onion-garlic base forms a flavor-packed foundation for the broth.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup Base

Whisk in the flour and stir continuously for a full minute to remove the raw taste and create a roux-like consistency. Then, gradually add the chicken broth in splashes, stirring to dissolve any browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom. These bits add rich depth to your soup, enhancing each spoonful with robust flavor.

Step 6: Add Seasonings and Creaminess

Pour in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and ground sage to the simmering broth. Slowly stir in the half and half, bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce it to a gentle simmer where all those flavors can meld harmoniously.

Step 7: Blend in the Potatoes

Incorporate the mashed potatoes into the broth and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy and smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a blender for the same velvety result that makes this Creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe so special.

Step 8: Finish with Beef, Vegetables, and Cheese

Add back the ground beef and frozen mixed vegetables, letting them warm through for five minutes. Remove the pot from heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Be careful not to add the cheese while the soup is too hot, or it might not melt into that rich, creamy texture you want. The soup thickens beautifully as it cools slightly.

How to Serve Creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick, creamy yellow soup with visible pieces of browned ground meat, bright orange carrot cubes, green peas, and yellow corn kernels. The surface of the soup is speckled with small green herbs. A silver spoon is partially dipped into the soup on the right side of the bowl. Two round yellow crackers rest on the edge of the bowl at the top left. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a burst of green and freshness. A dollop of extra sour cream or a handful of crispy fried onions can elevate the presentation and provide appealing texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls perfect for soaking up every last bit of creamy broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in individual bread bowls for a crowd-pleasing twist, or layer it in clear glasses to showcase its creamy texture and colorful vegetables. For a fun touch, sprinkle extra cheese and broil it briefly to create a melted topping reminiscent of classic shepherd’s pie.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will continue to deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy evenings.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Just be mindful that the texture of the potatoes and dairy might change slightly after freezing, but a good stir while reheating will bring it back to creamy goodness.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or half and half to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving at high power to preserve its smooth texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground lamb instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground lamb will give the soup a more traditional shepherd’s pie flavor, adding a slightly gamey richness that pairs wonderfully with the herbs and creamy potatoes.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, swap out the ground beef for hearty mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still enjoy the comforting creaminess and all the layered flavors.

What’s the best way to get the soup really creamy?

Using an immersion blender to blend the potatoes into the broth is key. Also, adding sour cream and half and half gently warms the soup without curdling, providing that dreamy creaminess throughout.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

While the method here works best on the stove for blending and timing, you can cook the ground beef and vegetables separately, then combine everything in a slow cooker with the broth and potatoes on low for a few hours. Add cheese at the end just before serving.

How spicy is this soup?

This Creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe is mild and comforting in terms of spice. The seasonings provide warmth and depth, but if you love a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the broth.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a cozy embrace on a chilly day, this Creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup Recipe fits the bill perfectly. With its luscious texture, rich flavors, and familiar warmth, it might just become your go-to comfort food that everyone will ask for again and again. Invite a friend over, ladle out a big bowl, and enjoy every comforting spoonful together.