When you crave the hearty comfort of a classic shepherd’s pie but want something cozier and easier to sip from a spoon, Shepherd’s Pie Soup is your answer. This soup captures all the traditional flavors of the original dish—savory ground beef, tender vegetables, rich gravy, and fluffy mashed potatoes—but transforms it into a soul-warming bowl of goodness. It’s the perfect bridge between stew and soup, with just enough thickness to satisfy without feeling too heavy.

This soup is a cold-weather lifesaver. It warms you from the inside out, fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and makes excellent leftovers for busy weekdays. Plus, it’s easy to tweak based on what you have on hand, making it a great fridge-clean-out recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Shepherd’s Pie Soup

You’ll fall for this recipe because it takes everything we love about shepherd’s pie and makes it weeknight-friendly. No need to bake or layer anything. Instead, you simmer everything in one pot, top with a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes, and dive right in. It’s cozy, simple, and packed with the nostalgic flavors of a Sunday supper, minus the fuss.

What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use for the Topping?

For the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potato topping, go with Yukon golds or Russets. Yukon golds have a naturally buttery texture, while Russets whip up light and smooth. You can even use leftover mashed potatoes if you’re short on time—just reheat and give them a stir with a bit of cream or butter before topping your bowl.

Ingredients for the Shepherd’s Pie Soup

The ingredients in this soup are humble but flavorful. They come together to recreate that savory-sweet balance that makes shepherd’s pie so crave-worthy.

Ground beef
Yellow onion
Carrots
Celery
Garlic
Tomato paste
Worcestershire sauce
Beef broth
Frozen peas
Thyme
Bay leaf
Mashed potatoes
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

Each ingredient plays a role in building layers of flavor. The ground beef gives us a savory base. Aromatics like yellow onion, garlic, and celery deepen the broth. The carrots add natural sweetness. Tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce offer richness and umami, while thyme and a bay leaf lift everything with herby depth. Topping with creamy mashed potatoes seals the deal.

How To Make the Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Once cooked, remove and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Add the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until everything is coated. Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, then add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches

Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Meanwhile, warm your mashed potatoes.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. You can swirl them in or leave them as a fluffy cloud floating on top.

How to Serve and Store Shepherd’s Pie Soup

This recipe makes enough to serve 4 to 6 people comfortably, especially when paired with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad. To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen (without the mashed potato topping) for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove and top with fresh mashed potatoes when ready to serve.

What to Serve With Shepherd’s Pie Soup?

Crusty Bread

A thick slice of warm, buttered bread is ideal for dipping into this flavorful soup.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized edges pair beautifully with the hearty flavors of the soup.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Perfect for soaking up every drop left in the bowl.

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Add a pop of color and crunch with this classic side.

Cheddar Biscuits

Fluffy, cheesy, and oh-so-good beside a steamy bowl of soup.

Roasted Root Vegetables

Sweet potatoes, parsnips, and carrots roasted to golden perfection are a great match.

Want More Soup Ideas with a Twist?

If this comforting soup hit the spot, here are more unique soup recipes you might love:

Cajun Potato Soup for a spicy southern flair.
Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef when you’re craving hearty and healthy.
Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup to transport your taste buds.
Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta if you like your soups bold and creamy.
Mexican Sopa de Conchas for a fun twist on classic shells.

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I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add cheese to the mashed potatoes? Maybe you snuck in some corn or switched up the herbs? Let me know in the comments.

Explore beautifully curated comfort meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover new ways to warm up your weeknights.

Conclusion

Shepherd’s Pie Soup turns a classic family favorite into a quick, cozy, and satisfying bowl. Whether you’re curling up on a cold evening or just looking for a filling one-pot meal, this soup delivers warmth and nostalgia with every spoonful. It’s everything you love about shepherd’s pie—made even easier.