If you love the cozy comfort of a traditional shepherd’s pie but crave something a bit lighter, this Shepherd’s Pie Soup is your new go-to recipe. It delivers all the hearty, savory flavors you love — mashed potatoes, vegetables, herbs, and rich meat — transformed into a creamy, wholesome soup that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or chilly evenings, it’s a satisfying one-pot meal the whole family will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Shepherd’s Pie Soup
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup is a modern twist on a beloved classic. It keeps the comforting flavors of mashed potatoes and seasoned ground meat but swaps the baking dish for a single pot. You’ll love it because:
- It’s protein-packed and full of nourishing vegetables.
- Everything cooks in one pot — easy cleanup!
- The creamy texture comes from Greek yogurt, not heavy cream.
- It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free or low-carb.
- Each spoonful tastes like a cozy hug on a cold day.
Whether you use ground turkey, beef, or lamb, this soup is pure comfort in a bowl — simple, wholesome, and utterly delicious.
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Ultimate Shepherd’s Pie Soup — Creamy, Nutritious & Comforting
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, protein-packed twist on classic Shepherd’s Pie turned into a cozy, nutritious soup.
Ingredients
2 lb potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tbsp butter or ghee
1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
1 onion, diced
5 celery stalks, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp dried thyme
12 oz mixed vegetables
6 cups bone broth
1 cup Greek yogurt
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Boil potatoes until tender, mash half.
2. Brown ground meat, drain fat.
3. Add onion, celery, garlic, and herbs; cook 5 min.
4. Add vegetables and broth, simmer 10 min.
5. Stir in mashed and cubed potatoes, simmer 5 min more.
6. Remove from heat, stir in Greek yogurt.
7. Garnish and serve warm.
Notes
Use ground turkey or lentils for a lighter version.
Add extra vegetables like kale or spinach for more nutrients.
Freeze for up to 3 months in portions.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Ingredients for Shepherd’s Pie Soup
Main Soup Base
- 2 lb potatoes (russet or white sweet potatoes), peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp butter or ghee
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or lamb)
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- 5 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 6 cups chicken or beef bone broth
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream, room temperature)
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley or green onions
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Protein: You can use any ground meat. Ground turkey or chicken keeps it lean and light, while lean ground beef adds a deeper flavor.
- Dairy-free: Swap butter for olive oil and Greek yogurt for unsweetened coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
- Vegetarian: Substitute meat with lentils, crumbled tofu, or tempeh, and use vegetable broth.
- Pork-free: The recipe contains no pork, making it family-friendly for any diet.
- Extra Veggies: Add chopped kale, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutrients.
- Lower-carb: Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower florets — same creamy texture, fewer carbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and cube the potatoes, then boil in salted water until fork-tender (about 20 minutes). Drain well. Mash half of them with butter and a pinch of salt and pepper; set aside the rest unmashed for texture.
Step 2 – Brown the Meat
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3 – Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly softened. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and thyme.
Step 4 – Add Vegetables and Broth
Pour in the mixed frozen vegetables. Stir to combine, then add the bone broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and let simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5 – Combine Potatoes
Return both mashed and unmashed potatoes to the pot. Stir well until the soup thickens slightly. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6 – Add Creamy Finish
Remove from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until creamy and smooth. Do not boil after adding yogurt — this keeps the texture velvety.
Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, or green onions. Serve warm with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature yogurt — cold yogurt can curdle when added to hot soup.
- Mash only half the potatoes to maintain a creamy yet chunky texture.
- Taste before adding salt — broth and cheese add natural saltiness.
- Simmer gently after adding potatoes to avoid sticking.
- Make it ahead — the soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Freeze in portions for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Flavor Variations
- Smoky Shepherd’s Pie Soup – Add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
- Southwest Twist – Stir in black beans, corn, and cumin for Tex-Mex flair.
- Mushroom Lover’s Version – Sauté mushrooms with onions for an earthy depth.
- Cheesy Bake Style – Sprinkle cheddar and broil briefly until bubbly.
- Herb Garden Style – Add fresh rosemary, parsley, and chives before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Shepherd’s Pie Soup with:
- Whole-grain rolls or crusty bread for dipping
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- A sprinkle of extra cheese and herbs on top
- A drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of yogurt for presentation
This soup also makes a wonderful meal prep dish — it reheats beautifully for lunches all week.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 365 kcal |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
FAQ About Shepherd’s Pie Soup
What meat works best for Shepherd’s Pie Soup?
Traditionally, shepherd’s pie uses lamb, but this soup is flexible. Ground beef or turkey keeps it hearty and flavorful while balancing the nutrition profile. You can also use chicken or a blend for a lighter version.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the meat with brown lentils or crumbled tofu and use vegetable broth. You’ll still get that hearty texture with plenty of plant-based protein.
How can I thicken the soup naturally?
The mashed potatoes provide a creamy base. For a thicker consistency, simmer longer or mash a few more potato chunks directly in the pot.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal. Prepare the soup fully, cool, and refrigerate. The flavors deepen after sitting overnight, making it even better the next day.
What’s the best way to reheat Shepherd’s Pie Soup?
Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick. Avoid boiling once the yogurt is added to prevent curdling.
Final Thoughts
This Shepherd’s Pie Soup is everything you love about comfort food — creamy, satisfying, and nourishing — in a bowl. With wholesome ingredients, easy prep, and rich flavor, it’s the perfect combination of classic and modern cooking. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving a cozy family dinner, this soup will quickly become a cold-weather favorite.
