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Cream Soup Shepherd's Pie
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- #32067
A twist on classic Shepherd's pie using ground beef and cream of mushroom soup.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
4 reviews
3 comments
ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (10 ounce size) cream of mushroom soup or beef gravy
chopped, cooked vegetables, optional (peas and carrots, mushrooms, etc)
salt and pepper, as needed
3 cups cooked mashed potatoes, or more if desired
2 tablespoons cold butter, cut in bits
directions
Preheat the oven broiler.
Brown the ground beef and onion in a cast iron or other oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir the soup (or gravy) into the skillet. Mix well. Add any desired vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Remove the pan from the heat and spread the mashed potatoes over the top. Dot the top of the potatoes with the butter.
Place the pan under the broiler and broil until browned.
Serve the cream soup shepherd's pie hot.
recipe tips
If using fresh vegetables, saute them with the ground beef and onions.
For a creamier mashed potato topping, add some cream cheese or sour cream to the mashed potatoes.
Season the ground beef mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
To achieve a crispy, golden-brown top on the mashed potatoes, broil the pie in the upper third of the oven.
Leftover shepherd's pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Simply reheat in the oven when ready to serve, making it a great make-ahead meal.
common recipe questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or lamb as alternatives. Each will create a different flavor for the dish.
Is it necessary to use canned cream of mushroom soup? Are there alternatives?
While canned cream of mushroom soup is convenient, you can also use homemade mushroom sauce or beef gravy. Another alternative is to use cream of chicken or celery soup.
Can I add cheese to the mashed potato topping?
Mixing in grated cheese like cheddar or parmesan to the mashed potatoes before spreading them on the beef mixture will add a rich, cheesy flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or a mixture of lentils and finely chopped vegetables for a vegetarian version.
What other vegetables can I include in the shepherd's pie?
Try adding corn, green beans, bell peppers, or any other vegetables you like. This dish is quite versatile and forgiving.
tools needed
Cast Iron Skillet or Oven-Safe Skillet: Used for browning the ground beef and onion and assembling the shepherd's pie-style meal.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the ingredients, such as the mashed potatoes.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ground beef and onions as they cook and for mixing in the cream of mushroom soup or gravy with the meat.
Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the onion, any optional vegetables you may wish to add to the dish, and the cold butter.
Colander or Strainer: For draining excess grease from the cooked ground beef after browning.
what goes with it?
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Offer an alternative to classic mashed potatoes. Saltgrass Steakhouse's garlic mashed potatoes make a great topping for the shepherd's pie.
Gravy: A rich store-bought or quick blender gravy can used instead of the cream of mushroom soup. A mushroom and onion gravy can mimic the flavor of the cream of mushroom soup.
Crispy Shallots: Adding crispy fried shallots on top of the mashed potatoes provides a crunchy texture that contrasts the creamy base.
Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkling shredded cheddar over the potatoes before broiling would create a cheesy, crispy topping that adds richness.
Mixed Salad: A light mixed salad offers a refreshing balance. The acidity from a vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the pie.
Cornbread: A side of old-fashioned buttermilk cornbread is a nice, hearty addition that complements the shepherd's pie while providing a slightly sweet contrast.
Hot Sauce: A drizzle of hot sauce can add a kick to each bite, for those that like some heat.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Cabernet Sauvignon: This full-bodied red wine has robust flavors of dark fruit and hints of spice, making it a great match for the rich beef and creamy mushroom soup. Look for one with well-integrated tannins for balance.
Chardonnay: A buttery, oaked Chardonnay can really complement the creamy texture of the soup and the mashed potatoes. Aim for one with notes of vanilla and oak.
Merlot: This smoother, medium-bodied red with fruity notes like plum and cherry pairs well with beef, while its softer style won't overpower the dish. Look for one that's fruit-forward.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Creamy Ale: A cream ale offers a smooth, crisp finish that complements the richness of the shepherd's pie without being too heavy. It's light enough to allow the other flavors to shine through.
Bourbon: The sweet vanilla and caramel notes in bourbon can add a warm, comforting touch when enjoyed alongside this dish.
Mushroom Stout: A stout with earthy mushroom notes ties in beautifully with the cream of mushroom soup while giving you that rich flavor that fits perfectly with the beef.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Herbal Tea: A chamomile or mint herbal tea can serve as a counterpoint to the richness.
Apple Cider: Chilled apple cider adds a sweet and slightly tart note that helps cut through the savory richness of the shepherd's pie.
Creamy Tomato Soup: This can be a surprising but tasty choice. The acidity and creaminess in tomato soup can balance the heaviness of beef and potatoes while adding a comforting touch.
nutrition data
496 calories, 34 grams fat, 22 grams carbohydrates, 24 grams protein per serving.
Keeping a can of frozen orange juice concentrate in the freezer means you can make more than just orange juice. Try it in a variety of orange-flavored recipes.
Beer makes batters better, meat more tender, and sauces more flavorful.
see more canned soup recipes
reviews & comments
I am very excited to make this!! I am going to use Chicken gumbo soup, and layer American Cheese slices over before topping with the potatoes, and maybe some shredded cheddar after browning the potatoes-YUM!!!
April 11, 2022
I had all the ingredients - until the store-bought gravy. Opening the jar I spied the color blue - oh-oh! Substituted marinara sauce and - Wow! So tasty! So forvgiving! this recipe is a keeper! Thanks for sharing!
May 19, 2020
Added some canned mushrooms to soup, and a bag of baby Normandy mix, between soup/beef & veg layer put cheese, then topped with mashed potatoes.... Delish!
May 7, 2020
I add mushrooms, worchershire sauce, garlic, top with mashed potatoes and shredded cheddar
The cream soup shepherds sounds great with one question: Do you dilute the cream soup as directions on the can states or use it undiluted? Thanks
You use it undiluted. The directions on the can are for making soup. Most of the time when you use cream soup as an ingredient in another recipe you do not dilute it unless the recipe specifically says to do so.
This sounds very good. I've made something similar but I use tomato soup, ground beef and green beans. Top with mashed potatoes.
January 24, 2009
doubled recipe. half cooked baby carrots and diced potatoes with canned rinsed lima beans peas & mushroom soup. water added as needed over meat mixture. used a large dutch oven and continued stovetop 15 minutes. instant cheese mashed taters. butter & oven