Description
A spooky and fun twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, this Ghostly Shepherd’s Pie features a savory beef and vegetable filling topped with mashed potato “ghosts” decorated with pea eyes. It’s a perfect Halloween-themed meal that is both hearty and festive.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 80%)
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (1/2 cup)
- 1 bag (12 oz) frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen™ organic diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, undrained
- 1 jar (12 oz) beef gravy
- 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)
- 12 peas (set aside from frozen vegetables, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef Mixture:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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 thoroughly cooked. Drain the fat.
- Set aside 12 peas from the frozen vegetables for garnish.
- Add the remaining frozen vegetables, undrained diced tomatoes, and beef gravy to the beef mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Meanwhile, in a 2-quart saucepan, bring water, butter, and garlic powder to a boil. Remove from heat, then stir in the milk.
- Add the dry mashed potatoes and blend well until smooth.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into an ungreased 8-inch square (2-quart) or oval (2 1/2-quart) baking dish.
- Using a large spoon, create 6 mounds of mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture to resemble “ghosts.”
- Press 2 reserved peas into each mashed potato mound to make the eyes.
- Bake:
- Bake the dish for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are set and the mixture is hot.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
- If you prefer homemade mashed potatoes, feel free to use your own recipe instead of the dry mix.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, and consider adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the pie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg