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Whip up this snug Cottage Pie Soup that transforms all the wonderful elements of traditional cottage pie into a hearty liquid meal. Blend silky potato mash, shredded cheese, browned beef, and chopped veggies in a savory stock. It's spot-on for chilly days or whenever you're craving something that'll warm your soul.
Reasons To Try This Hearty Soup
This isn't ordinary soup - it's pure warmth in every spoonful. Packs all those cottage pie tastes you crave but comes together much quicker. Great for dinnertime with kids or grabbing a fast bite. Smooth potatoes naturally thicken the broth. You can also pop extras in the freezer, so cook a big batch. You'll be making this again after just one taste.
Ingredients List
- Russet Potatoes: For the smooth topping
- Salt: For seasoning
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess to potatoes
- Ground Beef: Core protein
- Yellow Onion: Finely diced
- Garlic: Freshly chopped
- Butter: For richness
- Flour: For thickening
- Chicken Broth: Main liquid
- Half and Half: For silky texture
- Worcestershire: For depth
- Italian Herbs: For aroma
- Mustard Powder: For tang
- Ground Sage: For earthiness
- Cheddar Cheese: For gooey goodness
- Mixed Vegetables: Frozen pack works
- Salt and Pepper: Final touch
Cooking Instructions
- Begin Preparation:
- Shred cheese yourself - it'll melt way better. Let dairy items sit out to reach room temp.
- Handle Meat:
- Sizzle beef in large pot on medium-high flame. Pour off excess grease. Set cooked meat aside.
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Simmer potatoes in salted water for 10-15 minutes until tender. Strain. Mix with butter and sour cream until smooth.
- Soften Vegetables:
- In the same pot you used for meat - drop in butter. Sauté onions until translucent. Toss in garlic, cook another minute.
- Create Base:
- Mix in flour, let cook briefly. Gradually add broth while constantly mixing. Drop in Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.
- Mix In Dairy:
- Add half and half. Let it gently simmer, then reduce temperature.
- Incorporate Potatoes:
- Stir mashed potatoes into your broth. Mix thoroughly or use blender if you want it smoother.
- Combine Everything:
- Return beef to pot. Throw in frozen veggie mix. Heat through about 5 minutes.
- Last Touches:
- Remove from stove. Gradually add cheese while stirring until melted. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
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Superior To Traditional Pie
Grabs all the tastiness from cottage pie and kicks it up a notch. Potatoes swirl with broth for amazing texture. Every spoon gets meat and veggies together. Cheese swirls throughout making it extra satisfying. Super easy to enjoy and really fills you up.
Unique Soup Approach
Stands apart from your regular soup lineup. Similar to loaded potato soup but beefed up with extras. Thick and satisfying - not watery like standard soups. Also works great if you've got leftover mashed spuds.
Standout Features
The potato mash turns ordinary broth into something luxurious. Beef provides depth and heartiness. The veggies bring nutrients and bright colors. Melty cheese ties everything together perfectly. Simple ingredients that create magic when combined.
Tips For Success
Always shred cheese yourself - it melts so much better than pre-packaged stuff. Don't rush adding cheese or it'll clump up badly. Want to cut down on carbs? Swap in some mashed cauliflower for part of the potatoes. Small tweaks make a big difference in the outcome.
Storage Options
Stays good in your fridge for about three days in an airtight container. You can freeze portions for up to three months - perfect for busy nights. Warms up beautifully without separating. Cook once on Sunday for easy dinners throughout your week.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can ground turkey be used instead?
Yep, it works well! It’s lighter on the fat, but be sure to add some extra spices to seal in the taste. It’ll still give you a thick and hearty bowl of soup.
- → Prefer a vegetarian option?
Try using mushrooms or brown lentils as your base. Season everything nicely, and stick with the same ingredients—it’ll still come out super filling.
- → What if the soup’s not thick enough?
Let it cook down a bit longer. Mash in some extra potatoes, or blend a flour-water mixture and add slowly while stirring as it heats. That should do the trick!
- → Can I use a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Brown the meat first, toss everything in, but add cream during the last hour. Keep the lid on most of the time. It’ll take around 6 hours on low.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Use an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’ll last for about three days. When reheating, go low and slow, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it looks too thick.
- → Soup feeling too watery?
Just cook it down for a while longer. Toss in a few more mashed potatoes, or mix in some flour or cornstarch paste. Stir often to make sure it stays smooth.
- → How do I take it on the go?
Pack it up hot in an insulated container. Bring extra broth to reheat and keep the cheese separate. Reheat at your destination if you can!
- → Is there a faster way to make this?
You bet. Use pre-made mashed potatoes and frozen diced veggies. Prep ingredients in advance and make it all in one pot—it comes together much quicker and still tastes great!
- → How do I double the recipe?
Just double all the ingredients, but use a bigger pot. Be mindful of the liquid so it doesn’t overflow. Cooking might take a little longer, and you’ll need to stir more often.
- → How can I make it pop with even more flavor?
Toss in some fresh parsley, garlic, or thyme. Add a splash of dry white wine or even soy sauce while it’s cooking. Season every layer for maximum taste!
- → What about lumpy mashed potatoes?
Mash them more thoroughly and use them while they’re warm. Add a bit of heated milk as you mash. Stir well and, if needed, strain any lumps out.
- → My kids aren’t big on veggies. Any tips?
Cut the veggies smaller to hide them, or blend them into the soup. Adding extra cheese usually works wonders to win them over. Keep the herbs light for simpler flavors.
Conclusion
If you liked this, give potato gratin a shot. Or dive into a chunky beef stew. Both pair great with cold evenings!