Spooky Shepherd's Pie

Bring a hauntingly delicious twist to a classic comfort food with this Spooky Shepherd's Pie! Perfect for Halloween or any festive occasion, this dish layers a hearty filling of savory ground beef or lamb, tender carrots, and sweet peas in a rich, flavorful gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes shaped into adorable ghostly figures. The "ghosts" get their spooky charm from a simple piping technique and sliced black olives for eyes and mouths. With its golden-brown top and playful presentation, this shepherd’s pie will delight kids and adults alike. Quick to prepare and bake, this spooky dinner idea is an irresistible combination of fun and flavor, ideal for cozy family nights or a themed gathering.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, finely diced
• 1 cup peas
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup sliced black olives (for decoration)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour to the skillet. Stir until the vegetables are coated.

Step 5

Slowly pour in the beef or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

Step 6

Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir in the peas, and season with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and transfer the meat mixture to a greased 9-inch pie dish or casserole dish.

Step 7

Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.

Step 8

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Step 9

Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over the meat mixture, creating 'spooky ghost shapes' using a piping bag with a large round tip. If you don't have a piping bag, use a spoon to create peaks.

Step 10

Decorate each ghost with black olive slices to form eyes and mouths.

Step 11

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mashed potato ghosts are golden on top.

Step 12

Allow to cool slightly before serving to reveal your spooky masterpiece!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2412.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3044.0

Total Fat 182.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 70.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.2g
Cholesterol 516.4mg	0%
Sodium 4948.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 245.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.2g	0%
Total Sugars 38.9g
Protein 113.3g	0%

Vitamin D 116.3IU	0%
Calcium 703.6mg	0%
Iron 24.7mg	0%
Potassium 7216.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.3%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 31.9%