Description
Get into the Halloween spirit with this Spooky Ghost Shepherd’s Pie—an easy dinner recipe that doubles as a spooky food idea for kids and parties. This savory comfort food classic is topped with creamy mashed potato ghosts complete with eerie olive eyes, making it a fun and festive dinner idea. It’s one of those quick dinner recipes that bring smiles to both adults and kids, perfect for themed parties or when you’re looking for creative food ideas that don’t compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds ground beef or ground lamb
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup chopped carrots
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
0.5 cup beef broth
2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
0.5 cup whole milk
Salt to taste
Black olives for faces
Optional: Nori strips for facial features
Shredded cheese
Fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Add ground beef or lamb. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add peas, carrots, and beef broth. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.
4. Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter and warm milk. Add salt to taste.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the meat mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Pipe a mashed potato border around the edge of the dish, then pipe ghost shapes on top of the filling using a piping bag.
7. Decorate ghosts with olive slices or nori for eyes and mouths.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes for a light golden touch. Let cool before serving.
Notes
Let mashed potatoes cool slightly before piping to help ghosts hold their shape.
You can prepare the meat filling a day in advance to save time.
Shredded cheese beneath the mashed potatoes adds a rich, melty layer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Halloween dinner, spooky food ideas, ghost shepherd’s pie, fun dinner recipes, Halloween kids meals