Cozy Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Hearty Dumplings
A warm and hearty shepherd's pie soup loaded with ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb ground beef Adds a rich and savory flavor.
- 4 large carrots, chopped Introduces sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup sweet peas For a pop of freshness.
- 1 onion, finely chopped Brings aromatic depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Imparts wonderful fragrance.
- 4 cups beef broth Provides a comforting base.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Adds creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons flour Helps thicken the broth.
- 2 tablespoons butter For richness and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon thyme Classic herb complementing savory elements.
- 1 teaspoon rosemary Enhances aroma with earthy notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential for balancing flavors.
For the Dumplings
- 1 cup flour Main ingredient for dumplings.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Chemical leavening agent.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Flavor enhancer.
- 1/2 cup milk Moisture for dough.
- 1/4 cup melted butter For richness.
For Garnish
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) Adds a vibrant touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and peas. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring to coat. Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Cooking Dumplings
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in milk and melted butter; stir until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Cover and steam dumplings for 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
Serving
- Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
For extra flavor, add Worcestershire sauce with the cream. Ground lamb can replace beef for a traditional flavor. Adjust herbs to your taste or add diced potatoes/corn for heartiness.