Description

Ghostly Shepherd’s Pie is a fun and festive twist on the classic comfort food, perfect for Halloween or any cozy night in. This recipe layers a savory ground beef and vegetable mixture with creamy mashed potatoes shaped into adorable ghost mounds, complete with pea eyes. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a delightful and visually playful way to enjoy a hearty meal that the whole family will love.

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
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)
12 peas (set aside from frozen vegetables, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Beef Mixture: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 12-inch skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is thoroughly cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Set Aside Peas: Remove 12 peas from the frozen mixed vegetables to reserve for later use as garnish eyes on the mashed potato ghosts.
Add Vegetables and Sauces: To the beef mixture in the skillet, add the remaining frozen mixed vegetables, undrained diced tomatoes, and beef gravy. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the beef mixture cooks, bring water, butter, and garlic powder to a boil in a 2-quart saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in the milk. Add the dry mashed potatoes and stir well until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into an ungreased 8-inch square or oval baking dish (2 to 2.5 quart capacity). Using a large spoon, form 6 mounds of mashed potatoes on top of the beef mixture, shaping them to resemble ghosts.
Add the Ghost Eyes: Press 2 reserved peas into each mashed potato mound to create eyes for your ghostly figures.
Bake the Pie: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are set and the filling is hot throughout.

Notes

You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh vegetables if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
For a creamier mashed potato texture, add a little extra milk if needed after mashing.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
For added flavor, try seasoning the ground beef with salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs before cooking.