Creamy Sheperds Pie Soup

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes, equal to 2 lbs.

¾ teaspoon salt

¾ cup sour cream

1 lb. Ground Beef, 85% lean

1 large yellow onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 Tablespoons salted butter, separated

¼ cup flour

4 cups Chicken broth

2 cups half and half

3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

1/4 teaspoon ground sage

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 ½ cups mixed frozen vegetables

Salt/Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prep Work: Shred the cheese from a block, measure out the sour cream and half and half. Let them all sit out at room temperature.

Cook the Beef: Cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat until cooked through.

Drain grease. Remove the ground beef from the pot and set aside.

Boil & Mashed Potatoes: While the meat cooks, peel the potatoes and cut them into thirds. Add to a stock pot and cover the potatoes with 1 inch of water. Add the salt and boil gently for 10-15 minutes or until very fork tender. Drain, then gently mash with 1 Tablespoon of butter and sour cream. Set aside.

Prepare the broth: Melt 2 Tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Whisk in flour, use a silicone spatula to stir as the flour cooks for 1 full minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Add the chicken broth in splashes, stirring continuously. Use a silicone spatula to loosen any beef remnants from the bottom of the pot, this will add flavor.

Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, and sage. Slowly add the half and half. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Stir in the potatoes until well-combined into the broth. If possible, use an immersion blender to blend until creamy. You can also transfer it to a blender in batches.

Add the ground beef and frozen vegetables and allow them to heat through, about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat. Gradually sprinkle with shredded cheese and stir until combined. Make sure the base of the soup isn’t too hot or the cheese won’t melt creamy and smooth. The soup will continue to thicken as it sits.

Taste, season with salt/pepper if desired and serve!

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What inspired the creation of Creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup?

This soup draws inspiration from the classic Shepherd’s Pie, transforming its comforting flavors into a delicious and hearty soup.

Can I use leaner ground beef for a healthier option?

Certainly! You can opt for leaner ground beef, like 90% or 93% lean, to reduce the overall fat content of the soup.

How important is it to let dairy ingredients reach room temperature before using?

Allowing dairy ingredients to reach room temperature ensures smoother incorporation and better consistency in the soup.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version?

Absolutely, vegetable broth can be a great substitute for chicken broth, making the soup suitable for vegetarians.

Is there a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour for thickening the soup?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a substitute for all-purpose flour to achieve a gluten-free version.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it?

Certainly! This soup can be made in advance and reheated, but you might need to adjust the consistency with additional broth or milk upon reheating.

How long can I store Creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup in the refrigerator?

It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to one month.

Thaw and reheat on the stovetop, adjusting the consistency as needed.

Are there variations to the vegetable choices in the soup?

Absolutely, feel free to customize the vegetable mix based on personal preferences or seasonal availability.

What are some recommended side dishes to serve with Creamy Shepherd’s Pie Soup?

Crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad make excellent accompaniments to complement the flavors of this hearty soup.