Shepherd’s Pie Soup

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### **Instructions**

#### **Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or lamb) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed, then set the meat aside.

#### **Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
2. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.

#### **Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings**
3. Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let the garlic cook for about 1 minute, allowing it to become fragrant.

#### **Step 4: Add Broth and Potatoes**
4. Pour in the beef broth, and add the diced potatoes. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

#### **Step 5: Add the Peas**
5. Stir in the frozen peas and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until heated through.

#### **Step 6: Incorporate the Mashed Potatoes**
6. Once the vegetables and potatoes are tender, stir in the leftover mashed potatoes. This will thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use a potato masher to break up the mashed potatoes a bit more.

#### **Step 7: Add Cream (Optional)**
7. For extra creaminess, add the heavy cream and stir to combine. This step is optional but adds a luscious richness to the soup.

#### **Step 8: Taste and Adjust**
8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preferences.

#### **Step 9: Serve and Garnish**
9. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

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### **Tips for the Best Shepherd’s Pie Soup**

1. **Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes:** If you have leftover mashed potatoes from another meal, this is the perfect way to repurpose them. You can also use instant mashed potatoes if you’re short on time.
2. **Ground Meat Options:** While ground beef is traditional, feel free to swap in ground turkey, chicken, or lamb, depending on your preference. Ground turkey or chicken will make the soup a bit leaner.
3. **Add More Veggies:** For extra nutrition and flavor, add other vegetables such as corn, green beans, or parsnips to the soup.
4. **Make it Vegetarian:** To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based twist.
5. **Blend the Soup:** For a smoother texture, you can blend part or all of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender. This will create a creamier consistency.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

– **With Crusty Bread:** This soup is fantastic with a side of **crusty bread** or a **cheese toast** for dipping. The bread helps soak up the rich, flavorful broth.
– **Green Salad:** Pair it with a light **green salad** for a well-rounded meal.
– **Garlic Bread:** For a more indulgent touch, serve with a side of **garlic bread** or **cheese-stuffed breadsticks**.

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### **Storage and Reheating**

– **Storing Leftovers:** Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– **Freezing:** This soup freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Be aware that the potatoes may change in texture slightly after freezing.
– **Reheating:** Reheat the soup over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or water if needed to thin it out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

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### **Why This Recipe Works**

**Shepherd’s Pie Soup** delivers all the comfort and flavor of the classic casserole, but in a cozy, soup form. The creamy mashed potatoes blend perfectly into the broth, giving the soup a hearty, filling texture. The combination of tender ground meat, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings makes it both savory and satisfying, while the mashed potatoes bring the dish together with a familiar, comforting richness.

This soup is highly versatile, so feel free to adjust it to suit your tastes or to use up ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re making it for your family on a busy night or serving it as a cozy dinner for guests, **Shepherd’s Pie Soup** is sure to become a crowd-pleasing favorite.

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### **The Bottom Line**

**Shepherd’s Pie Soup** is the ultimate comfort food for colder days. With its rich, hearty flavors and creamy texture, it’s the perfect way to enjoy all the classic ingredients of Shepherd’s Pie in a cozy soup form. Easy to make, customizable, and delicious, this soup will quickly become a go-to dish for any occasion.

So, grab your ingredients, start cooking, and enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of **Shepherd’s Pie Soup** that’s bound to be a hit with everyone around the table!