# Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites Recipe
Serving: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
## Introduction
Delve into a comforting bowl of Shepherd’s Pie Soup, topped off with crispy Parmesan and bacon bites. Perfect for those cold nights and to satiate your hearty appetites!
## Why Make This Recipe
Shepherd’s Pie Soup amalgamates the revolutionary traditional flavors of Shepherd’s Pie and the warmth of a gratifying soup into a single dish. The addition of crisp Parmesan and bacon bites adds an enticing crunch, taking the flavor profile to another level.
## How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites
### Ingredients
#### Soup
– 1 lb ground lamb or beef
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 1/2 cups mashed potatoes
#### Parmesan and Bacon Bites
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
– 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
### Directions
#### For the Soup
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown ground meat. Then remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions and carrots until onions are translucent.
3. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute.
4. Pour in beef broth, followed by cooked meat, peas, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes. Season it with salt and pepper.
6. Stir in mashed potatoes until soup is creamy and well-integrated.
#### For the Parmesan and Bacon Bites
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a baking sheet, shape small circles of Parmesan cheese. Top each circle with bacon pieces.
3. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they turn crispy and golden.
4. Remove them from the oven and let them cool.
## How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with crispy Parmesan and bacon bites. Slurp away!
## How to Store Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites
Store leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best to consume it within 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup without the toppings and reheat when needed.
## Tips to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites
Use freshly prepared mashed potatoes for a creamier texture. For the soup, try using a slow cooker to aid in the flavors integrating more thoroughly.
## Variation (If Any)
You can opt for a vegetarian version of the soup with vegetable broth and replace meat with a meat substitute. Add more veggies like bell peppers and green beans if you prefer.
## FAQs
1. **Can I prepare the Parmesan and bacon bites in advance?**
– Yes, you can prepare the bites in advance and refrigerate. Reheat in a toaster oven before serving.
2. **Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or lamb?**
– Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for a lighter version of the soup.
3. **What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?**
– You can use soy sauce or tamari as an alternative.