Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Introduction
Prepare to warm up with a rich bowl of Shepherd’s Pie Soup accompanied by crunchy Toast Bites and an irresistible side of Sour Cream and Bacon Casserole. An ideal dinner for cold evenings, cozy gatherings or when you simply crave comfort food.
Why Make This Recipe
Indeed, there are countless soup recipes out there, but this twist on a traditional Shepherd’s Pie stands out among the rest. It’s a satisfying, flavor-packed dish featuring familiar ingredients in an exciting new way. Equally important, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for both midweek dinners and special occasions.
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 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tsp dried thyme
For the Toast Bites:
– 1 baguette, sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 garlic clove, halved
For the Sour Cream and Bacon Casserole:
– 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Directions:
1. Start by making the Shepherd’s Pie Soup. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground meat, then remove excess fat.
2. Mixing in onion, carrots, and garlic, sauté until the vegetables tenderize.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, followed by beef broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add frozen peas and cook for 5 minutes more.
5. In parallel, prepare the Toast Bites. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange baguette slices on a baking tray.
6. Brush the slices with olive oil and bake until they turn golden.
7. Remove from the oven and rub each slice with the halved garlic.
8. Lastly, bake the Sour Cream and Bacon Casserole. Mix sour cream, half the cheddar cheese and green onions in a bowl.
9. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese and bacon.
10. Bake at the same temperature for 10 minutes or until cheese gets bubbly.
How to Serve Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Toast Bites, Sour Cream, and Bacon Casserole
Dish out a serving of warm Shepherd’s Pie Soup in each bowl. Serve alongside a helping of the Sour Cream and Bacon Casserole and finish off with a few Toast Bites on the side.
How to Store Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Toast Bites, Sour Cream, and Bacon Casserole
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup and casserole can be reheated in a microwave or on the stove, while the toast bites are best when recrisped in the oven.
Tips to Make Shepherd’s Pie Soup with Toast Bites, Sour Cream, and Bacon Casserole
– For a leaner soup, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
– Adding a few splashes of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavors of the soup.
Variation
You can add different vegetables, such as bell peppers and mushrooms, to the soup for added flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of beef for the soup?
Yes, ground chicken can be used as alternative to beef for a leaner version of Shepherd’s Pie soup.
2. Can I use other types of bread for the toast bites?
Yes, any type of crusty bread should work for the toast bites.
3. What other cheeses can I use for the bacon casserole?
Creamy cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack can be used in place of cheddar.