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Spooky Shepherd’s Pie

A Halloween-inspired twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, this dish features a smoky, flavorful filling topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. The filling is thickened to bubbling perfection, and the rustic crust offers a crispy, caramelized finish that looks as mysterious as it tastes, perfect for a cozy, spooky dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or lentils for a veggie version
  • 4 large potatoes for topping, or sweet potatoes for a smoky touch
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup carrots diced
  • 1 cup peas frozen works fine
  • 1 tablespoon smoky paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 large potatoes for mash, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Masher or fork
  • Ovenproof baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
  2. Cook the potatoes for the mash in a saucepan of boiling water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the potatoes cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fragrant, about 8 minutes.
  4. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in diced carrots and peas, cooking for another 5 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
  6. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly, about 10 minutes.
  7. While the filling simmers, mash the cooked potatoes with butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy. Use a fork or masher for a rustic texture.
  8. Transfer the thickened meat filling into an ovenproof baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  9. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the filling, using a fork to rough up the surface for a rustic look. This creates a crispy, uneven crust when baked.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and crispy around the edges, about 20 minutes.
  11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. The bubbling, caramelized crust and savory filling make it ready to serve.

Notes

For extra spooky effect, serve with carved vegetables or blackened bread on the side. Feel free to adjust the smoky flavors to your liking for a more mysterious taste.