Ghostly Shepherd's Pie
This delightful Ghostly Shepherd's Pie is the perfect Halloween dish to surprise and delight your little ghouls and goblins! Inspired by a whimsical grocery store magazine recipe, this spooky spin on a classic comfort food features layers of savory ground beef and vegetables topped with fluffy, ghost-shaped mashed potatoes. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also packs a punch of flavor that will make dinnertime a scream! With hidden nutrition from veggies and protein from beef, this pie is sure to transform your Halloween dinner into a festive feast that even the pickiest eaters won't resist.
N/A
Servings
467
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra lean ground beef
1 lb (browned in a skillet)
medium onion
1 (coarsely chopped)
frozen mixed vegetables
2 1/2 cups (frozen)
Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
beef gravy
1 (12 ounce) jar (ready to use)
mashed potatoes
3 cups (prepared)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
egg
1 (slightly beaten)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, spray a 12-inch skillet with cooking spray.
2
In the skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked. If there's excess grease, be sure to drain it off.
3
Reserve 12 peas from the frozen mixed vegetables for garnish. Add the remaining mixed vegetables, undrained diced tomatoes, and beef gravy to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
5
Transfer the beef mixture into an ungreased 8-inch square baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg until well mixed. Using a spoon, dollop the potato mixture onto the beef layer in upright mounds to create ghostly shapes.
7
Place 2 reserved peas on each potato mound to serve as spooky eyes.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes are set and the filling is thoroughly heated. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
27g
Fat
37g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ghostly Shepherd's Pie?
Ghostly Shepherd's Pie is a festive Halloween-themed version of the classic comfort food, featuring a savory beef and vegetable base topped with mashed potatoes shaped like ghosts.
How do I create the ghost shapes?
You can create ghostly shapes by dolloping the mashed potato mixture onto the beef layer in upright mounds using a spoon.
What meat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of extra lean ground beef, which is browned in a skillet with onions.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes a medium onion and 2.5 cups of frozen mixed vegetables.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should use one 14.5-ounce can of Italian-style diced tomatoes and keep them undrained to add moisture to the filling.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long does the Ghostly Shepherd's Pie bake?
The dish should bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the mashed potatoes are set and the filling is hot.
Why is an egg added to the mashed potatoes?
One slightly beaten egg is mixed into the mashed potatoes to help them hold their ghostly shape and set while baking.
What can I use for the ghost eyes?
You should reserve 12 peas from your frozen mixed vegetables to use as eyes for the potato ghosts.
What size baking dish is required?
The recipe instructions recommend using an ungreased 8-inch square baking dish.
Is there cheese in this shepherd's pie?
Yes, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is mixed into the mashed potatoes for added flavor.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving of this Ghostly Shepherd's Pie contains approximately 467 calories.
What type of gravy is used?
The recipe uses one 12-ounce jar of ready-to-use beef gravy.
Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3 cups of prepared mashed potatoes, which can be homemade or store-bought.
How much protein does this dish provide?
One serving of this recipe provides 23 grams of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a kid-friendly meal with a fun spooky presentation to appeal to picky eaters.
Should I drain the beef after browning?
Yes, if there is excess grease after browning the ground beef and onion, you should drain it off before adding other ingredients.
What size skillet should I use for prep?
A 12-inch skillet is recommended for browning the meat and simmering the vegetable mixture.
How long do the vegetables need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
What is the total fat content?
A serving contains approximately 27 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
Each serving contains 37 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
While the recipe calls for ground beef, you could substitute it with ground turkey or lamb for a different flavor profile.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal, combining protein, vegetables, and starch in a single baking dish.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
The recipe specifically recommends Italian-style diced tomatoes for extra seasoning.
Does the recipe require salt?
The recipe relies on the seasoning in the Italian-style tomatoes, beef gravy, and Parmesan cheese for flavor rather than added salt.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef and vegetable base ahead of time and add the potato ghosts just before you are ready to bake.
How do I prep the onion?
The medium onion should be coarsely chopped before browning with the beef.
What gives the potatoes their flavor?
The mashed potatoes are flavored with grated Parmesan cheese and the richness of the added egg.
How many ghosts can I make?
Since the recipe suggests reserving 12 peas for eyes, you will likely be making 6 potato ghosts.
Is this a good dish for a Halloween party?
Absolutely, its spooky visual appeal and classic flavor make it a perfect festive dinner for any Halloween gathering.