Name: Ghostly Shepherd’s Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: British-American (Halloween twist)
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds ground beef or lamb; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 1 cup peas; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup beef or vegetable broth; 2 tablespoons flour; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed; 4 tablespoons butter; ½ cup milk; ¼ cup sour cream; Black olives or peppercorns (for eyes)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that this dish transforms an everyday favorite into a holiday centerpiece. It has the rich, comforting flavors of traditional shepherd’s pie but with a playful presentation that makes kids and adults smile. I also like that it’s customizable—I can make it with beef or lamb, add my favorite veggies, and adjust the seasoning to taste. It’s festive, hearty, and just the right amount of spooky for a Halloween dinner.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ pounds ground beef or lamb
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
1 cup peas
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons flour
salt and pepper to taste

For the mashed potato ghosts:
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons butter
½ cup milk
¼ cup sour cream
black olives or peppercorns (for eyes)

Directions

I boil the potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. I drain and set them aside.
In a skillet, I brown the ground beef or lamb, breaking it apart as it cooks. I add onion, garlic, and carrots, cooking until softened.
I stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and flour, then slowly add broth to form a thick sauce. I mix in peas, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
I mash the potatoes with butter, milk, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. I season them to taste.
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). I spread the meat mixture evenly in a baking dish. Using a piping bag (or plastic bag with the tip cut off), I pipe mashed potatoes into ghost shapes with peaks.
I add olive slices or peppercorns as eyes for each ghost.
I bake for 25–30 minutes until the potatoes are golden at the tips.
I let the dish cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–6 servings. It takes 25 minutes to prepare, 30 minutes to bake, for a total of about 55 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat filling for extra flavor. For a richer mashed potato topping, I stir in shredded cheese before piping. To make it vegetarian, I replace the meat with lentils or a mix of mushrooms and veggies. If I want it extra spooky, I pipe smaller potato ghosts all over the top for a haunted “graveyard” look.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the shepherd’s pie in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions. This dish can also be made ahead of time—assembled but not baked—and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

FAQs

Can I use instant mashed potatoes for the ghosts?

Yes, I can use instant mashed potatoes if I need a shortcut, though homemade gives the ghosts a smoother, creamier texture.

Can I freeze Ghostly Shepherd’s Pie?

Yes, I can freeze it before baking. I assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, I thaw overnight and bake as directed.

How do I make the ghosts hold their shape?

I make sure the mashed potatoes are smooth but thick enough to pipe. If they’re too loose, I reduce the milk slightly.

What’s the best way to make the ghosts without a piping bag?

I can use a large resealable plastic bag, snip off one corner, and pipe the potatoes just like frosting.

Can I add cheese to the topping?

Yes, I often add Parmesan or cheddar to the mashed potatoes before piping for a richer flavor and extra golden finish.

Conclusion

I love how Ghostly Shepherd’s Pie combines classic comfort food with a fun, festive twist. The savory filling and creamy potatoes make it hearty and delicious, while the spooky potato ghosts turn it into a perfect Halloween centerpiece. It’s cozy, creative, and a dish that everyone will remember long after the holiday.

Ghostly Shepherd’s Pie