Shepherd’s Pie Soup

### Instructions

#### **Step 1: Cook the Meat**
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.

#### **Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
1. In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

#### **Step 3: Build the Soup Base**
1. Return the cooked meat to the pot.
2. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.

#### **Step 4: Add Potatoes and Cream**
1. In a separate saucepan, heat the mashed potatoes with butter and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
2. Stir the mashed potatoes into the soup to thicken it, or dollop them on top for a layered presentation.

#### **Step 5: Add Peas and Final Seasoning**
1. Add the frozen peas and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
2. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

#### **Step 6: Serve**
Ladle the Shepherd’s Pie Soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the comforting flavors of Shepherd’s Pie in soup form.

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

1. **Choose Your Meat**: Use lamb for a traditional Shepherd’s Pie flavor or ground beef for a more accessible option.
2. **Veggie Variations**: Add corn, mushrooms, or parsnips for extra depth and variety.
3. **Texture Options**: For a chunkier soup, keep the mashed potatoes on top instead of mixing them in.
4. **Thick or Thin**: Adjust the consistency by adding more broth for a thinner soup or stirring in extra mashed potatoes for a thicker result.

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### Why Shepherd’s Pie Soup Works

This recipe brings all the classic elements of Shepherd’s Pie into a single pot, making it faster and easier to enjoy. The rich broth mirrors the savory meat filling, while the creamy mashed potatoes add a luxurious texture. It’s everything you love about Shepherd’s Pie—without the need for an oven.

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### A Dish for Every Occasion

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is versatile enough to serve as a weeknight dinner or a centerpiece at casual gatherings. It’s also an excellent make-ahead meal, as the flavors deepen and improve over time.

For a bowl of warmth and nostalgia, this Shepherd’s Pie Soup is unbeatable. Try it today, and experience the ultimate comfort food in soup form!