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Creepy Shepherd's Pie

A delightfully eerie twist on the classic shepherd's pie that’s perfect for Halloween gatherings, featuring a rich filling and spooky potato designs.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb (or meat substitute) Feel free to use a meat substitute if you're going veggie!
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen peas and carrots work wonderfully)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
For the mashed potatoes
  • 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
For decoration
  • Grated cheese For extra “creepy” flair!
  • Black olives To create spooky designs
  • Sour cream To create spooky designs

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat until thoroughly cooked and drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until the onions become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in the mixed vegetables, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper and simmer on low for about 10 minutes.
  5. While the meat mixture simmers, boil peeled and diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, then mash with milk and butter until smooth and creamy.
Assembly
  1. In a greased baking dish, pour in the meat and veggie mixture, spreading it evenly.
  2. Layer the mashed potatoes on top, smoothing it out and using a fork to create spooky patterns.
  3. Sprinkle grated cheese on top and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Once out of the oven, use black olives to create eerie eyes and dollops of sour cream for creepy mouths.
  5. Serve and enjoy while watching the delighted faces of your family and friends.

Notes

For added heat, include crushed red pepper flakes in the meat mixture. To make a vegetarian version, use lentils or canned beans with vegetable broth. You can prepare this dish a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge.