# Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Toast Bites, Sour Cream, and Bacon Casserole: A Delectable Harmony
Cozying up with a bowl of hot, hearty soup is the epitome of comfort. Bring this experience to your kitchen with a flavorful bowl of Shepherd’s Pie Soup, served with perfect toast bites and an irresistibly creamy, Bacon Casserole. Ready to impress your loved ones?
Time Requirements:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
## Why You Should Make This Recipe
Shepherd’s Pie Soup brings the comfort of the traditional Shepherd’s Pie into a spoon-worthy dish. Paired with crunchy toast bites and made extra delicious with a creamy bacon casserole, it’s a meal that promises a gustatory adventure.
You can easily tailor this dish according to dietary preferences without compromising the richness of its flavor. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser and great for leftovers.
## How to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Toast Bites, Sour Cream, and Bacon Casserole
### Ingredients:
For the Shepherd’s Pie Soup:
– 1 lb ground lamb or beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 cup corn kernels
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Toast Bites:
– Baguette, sliced into cubes
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
– Pinch of garlic powder
For the Bacon Casserole Topping:
– 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 green onions, sliced
### Directions:
1. Let’s begin with the Shepherd’s Pie Soup. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
2. Add the ground lamb or beef and cook until browned. Remember to drain excess fat.
3. Stir the tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper into the pot.
4. Next, bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer it for about 15 minutes. Add the peas and corn, then let it simmer for 10 more minutes.
5. Now, prepare your toast bites. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Toss the baguette cubes with melted butter and garlic powder and bake them for 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
7. For the Bacon Casserole Topping, combine cooked, crumbled bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions in a bowl.
8. Ladle Shepherd’s Pie Soup into bowls, top it with a good serving of bacon casserole and serve toast bites on the side.
9. Enjoy!
## How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Toast Bites, Sour Cream, and Bacon Casserole
This soup is best served hot. Invite everyone to the table and serve them a bowl of this delicious soup. Don’t forget the spoonful of bacon casserole on top and these crispy toast bites!
## How to Store Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Toast Bites, Sour Cream, and Bacon Casserole
Keep leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate. Reheat in a pot over medium heat for the best experience.
## Tips on Making the Perfect Bowl of Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Toast Bites, Sour Cream, and Bacon Casserole
– Customize your vegetables according to the season. Feel free to experiment!
– Dice your vegetables into similar sizes to cook evenly.
– Always adjust seasonings to taste – remember, more flavor is just a pinch away.
## Variation
Looking for a vegetarian option? Swap out the meat for mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable stock in place of beef broth.
## Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of lamb or beef?
Yes, you can substitute chicken. The flavor profile may change slightly but it will taste just as delicious.
2. Is there a dairy-free alternative for sour cream?
You can use a plant-based variety or plain, unsweetened, non-dairy yogurt for a similar tartness.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely, soups often taste better the next day as flavors enhance over time. However, I would recommend making your toast bites just before serving for the best textural contrast.