Are you looking for a hearty and comforting soup to warm you up on a chilly night? Look no further than Shepherd's Pie Soup. With only 190 calories per cup, this soup is not only delicious but also a healthy choice for dinner.
This soup is packed with wholesome ingredients like ground beef, carrots, celery, potatoes, and peas, making it a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Plus, it's easy to make and perfect for meal prepping.
In this article, we'll explore the nutritional value and health benefits of Shepherd's Pie Soup, as well as share some tips for making and serving it at home.
Overview of Shepherd's Pie Soup
Shepherd's Pie Soup is a twist on the classic Shepherd's Pie dish. Instead of serving the meat and vegetable mixture on top of mashed potatoes, it's transformed into a soup. The soup is made with ground beef, vegetables like carrots and celery, and savory spices. It's a hearty and filling soup that's perfect for a comforting meal on a cold evening. The flavors are reminiscent of a classic Shepherd's Pie, but in soup form.
Ingredients in Shepherd's Pie Soup
To make Shepherd's Pie Soup, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Health Benefits of Shepherd's Pie Soup
Shepherd's Pie Soup is a healthy and nutritious choice for dinner. It's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, thanks to the wholesome ingredients like ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes. Ground beef is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also contains important nutrients like iron and zinc. Vegetables like carrots and celery are rich in fiber and vitamins, while potatoes provide complex carbohydrates that keep you full and energized.
Calories in Shepherd's Pie Soup
One cup of Shepherd's Pie Soup contains approximately 190 calories. This makes it a great choice for a filling and satisfying meal, without overdoing it on the calories.
Nutritional Value of Shepherd's Pie Soup
Shepherd's Pie Soup is a nutrient-dense meal that provides a variety of vitamins and minerals. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional value of one cup of Shepherd's Pie Soup, based on a 2,000 calorie diet:
- calories: 190
- Total Fat: 7g (11% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g (13% DV)
- Cholesterol: 40mg (13% DV)
- Sodium: 970mg (40% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 19g (6% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 3g (12% DV)
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Vitamin A: 90% DV
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Serving Size of Shepherd's Pie Soup
One cup is a standard serving size of Shepherd's Pie Soup. However, you can adjust the serving size based on your personal preferences and calorie needs. You can pair the soup with a side of bread or a salad to make a more filling and balanced meal. It's also a great option for meal prepping, as you can make a large batch and reheat it throughout the week for a quick and easy dinner.
How to Make Homemade Shepherd's Pie Soup
Making Shepherd's Pie Soup at home is easy and doesn't require any fancy techniques or equipment. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add 3 chopped carrots, 3 chopped celery stalks, and 2 cups of peeled and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Add 6 cups of beef broth, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp of dried thyme, and 1 tsp of dried rosemary to the pot. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of frozen peas to the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until heated through.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley, if desired.
Tips for Serving and Storing Shepherd's Pie Soup
Here are a few tips to help you serve and store Shepherd's Pie Soup:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Garnish the soup with chopped parsley, grated cheese, or croutons for added flavor and texture.
- Pair the soup with a side of bread or a salad to make a more complete meal.
Popular Variations of Shepherd's Pie Soup
Shepherd's Pie Soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few popular variations to try:
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
- Add canned tomatoes or tomato paste for a more tomatoey flavor.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter soup.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a tangy kick.
Conclusion on Shepherd's Pie Soup Nutrition
Shepherd's Pie Soup is a healthy and delicious choice for dinner. It's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, while still being low in calories. Plus, it's easy to make and perfect for meal prepping. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a comforting soup on a chilly day, Shepherd's Pie Soup is a great option to add to your recipe rotation.
Soup is a lot like a family. Each ingredient enhances the others; each batch has its own characteristics; and it needs time to simmer to reach full flavor. - Marge Kennedy
FAQs about Shepherd's Pie Soup
1. What are the ingredients of the Shepherd's Pie Soup?
The Shepherd's Pie Soup typically contains ground beef or lamb, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, beef broth, garlic, onions, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. How many calories does a cup of Shepherd's Pie Soup contain?
A cup of Shepherd's Pie Soup contains 190 calories.
3. Is Shepherd's Pie Soup gluten-free?
It depends on the ingredients used in the recipe. Some recipes may contain gluten-containing ingredients such as flour or barley. However, there are gluten-free Shepherd's Pie Soup recipes available.
4. Can Shepherd's Pie Soup be frozen?
Yes, Shepherd's Pie Soup can be frozen. It is important to let it cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to a airtight container or ziplock bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
5. How can I make Shepherd's Pie Soup more nutritious?
You can make Shepherd's Pie Soup more nutritious by adding more vegetables such as kale, spinach or broccoli. You can also substitute the mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes for a healthier option. Additionally, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef or lamb for a leaner protein source.