Shepherd’s Pie Soup

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### Instructions for Making Shepherd’s Pie Soup

#### Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **ground beef or lamb** and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Once the meat is browned and cooked through, remove any excess fat and set the meat aside.

#### Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the **diced onion**, **minced garlic**, **carrots**, and **celery**. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

#### Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Once the vegetables are softened, add the browned **ground meat** back into the pot. Pour in the **beef broth**, and add the **Worcestershire sauce**, **dried thyme**, and **rosemary**. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.

#### Step 4: Prepare the Mashed Potato Base
While the soup is simmering, prepare the **mashed potato base**. If you’re using **leftover mashed potatoes**, heat them in the microwave or stovetop with the **milk** and **butter** until they’re creamy and smooth. If you’re making fresh mashed potatoes, boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.

#### Step 5: Combine the Soup and Potato Base
Once the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, stir in the **frozen peas** and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Next, stir in the **mashed potato base** into the soup, stirring to combine. The mashed potatoes will thicken the soup, giving it that creamy, comforting texture.

If the soup is too thick, add a little more **beef broth** or **milk** to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the Shepherd’s Pie Soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish it with some fresh herbs, a sprinkle of grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. For a truly indulgent touch, serve with a side of crusty bread or biscuits.

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

– **Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes**: This is a great way to repurpose any leftover mashed potatoes you have from a previous meal. Just make sure they’re creamy enough to blend into the soup smoothly.
– **Vegetarian Version**: For a vegetarian version, you can swap out the ground meat for **lentils** or **vegetarian crumbles**. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter flavor.
– **Add More Veggies**: You can add other vegetables like **corn**, **green beans**, or **parsnips** to make the soup even heartier.
– **Make It Spicy**: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** or a dash of **hot sauce** to give the soup a spicy kick.

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### Why You Should Try Shepherd’s Pie Soup

Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of a beloved classic dish in a more comforting, soup form. With tender meat, hearty vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, this soup is sure to satisfy your hunger while warming you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s versatile, easy to make, and a great way to feed a crowd.

This soup is the perfect balance of richness and heartiness, with layers of flavor that will make it a go-to meal for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a comforting winter meal or a dish that will please both kids and adults alike, Shepherd’s Pie Soup is sure to hit the spot.