Description
This Ghostly Shepherd’s Pie is a fun and festive twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for a Halloween-themed meal. Ground beef is cooked with veggies and seasoned tomatoes, layered with creamy mashed potatoes shaped like ghosts and adorned with peas for eyes, then baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 80%)
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (1/2 cup)
- 1 bag (12 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
- 12 peas (set aside from frozen vegetables, for garnish)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, undrained
- 1 jar (12 oz) beef gravy
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 2/3 cups water
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 cups Betty Crocker™ mashed potatoes (dry)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef Mixture: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking. In a 12-inch skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked. Drain excess fat to keep the dish lean.
- Prepare Vegetables: Set aside 12 peas from the frozen mixed vegetables to use later as eyes for the ghost shapes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients to Beef: To the beef mixture in the skillet, add the remaining frozen vegetables, undrained diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, and beef gravy. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Prepare Mashed Potatoes: While the beef and veggies cook, bring water, butter, and garlic powder to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the milk. Gradually add the dry mashed potatoes mix, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into an ungreased 8-inch square or a 2 1/2-quart oval baking dish evenly.
- Create Ghostly Potato Mounds: Using a large spoon, form six mounds of mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture. Press two reserved peas into each mound to create eyes, giving the appearance of cute little ghosts.
- Bake the Pie: Place the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are set and the filling is hot and bubbly. Remove from oven and serve warm for a spooky meal everyone will enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option if preferred.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be any blend you like; just ensure peas are reserved for decoration.
- For a creamier mashed potato, add a bit more milk as needed.
- If desired, sprinkle a little shredded cheese on top before baking for extra flavor.
- To make the ghosts more distinct, you can pipe the mashed potatoes using a pastry bag instead of spooning mounds.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
