Creepy Shepherd’s Pie (Ghost Potatoes!)

Halloween Spooky Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy, savory casserole made with layers of seasoned ground pork, mixed vegetables, sautéed mushrooms and onions, and creamy mashed potatoes. The Halloween twist? It’s topped with mashed potato ghosts with green pea eyes! Fun for kids, perfect for fall, and full of comforting flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Halloween parties and themed dinners

• Rich, savory layers of meat, veggies, and mashed potatoes

• Customizable with different proteins or cheeses

• Fun and interactive to make with kids

• A warm, filling one-dish meal

• Makes great leftovers (even stuffed in a pepper!)

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1½ pounds ground pork

• 5–6 potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 10–12 oz frozen mixed vegetables

• 1 large yellow onion, diced

• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

• ½ cup milk (Lactaid or regular)

• 5 tablespoons butter, divided

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 2 cups beef broth

• ½ cup shredded mixed cheese

• Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, to taste

• Olive oil

• 16 green peas (for decorating mashed potato ghosts – optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the pork in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté onion and mushrooms in olive oil until soft. Season to taste.

4. Cook frozen veggies in a small saucepan, then drain and set aside.

5. Boil potatoes until fork tender (15–20 minutes). Drain, mash with milk and 2 tablespoons of butter. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Make the gravy: Melt remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Add Worcestershire and beef broth. Stir until thickened.

7. Assemble in a 9×13 baking dish:

   • Spread mixed vegetables on the bottom

   • Layer cooked pork

   • Add sautéed onions and mushrooms

   • Pour gravy over top

8. Pipe mashed potatoes onto the filling in ghost shapes using a zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Add two peas for eyes on each ghost. (Or just spread potatoes in a layer if not making ghosts.)

9. Top with shredded cheese and bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

10. Serve warm — perfect with crusty bread or on its own!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–8

• Prep time: 30 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Swap protein: Use ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat.

• Add cheese to potatoes: Mix in shredded cheddar or cream cheese for richer mash.

• Make mini pies: Assemble in individual ramekins or muffin tins.

• Make it spooky sweet: Use purple potatoes or add edible eyes to ghosts for more Halloween fun.

• Stuff it in a pepper: Hollow out a bell pepper, carve a face, fill with leftovers, and bake.

Storage / reheating

• Storage: Cool completely, then store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze assembled (unbaked) for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.

• Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use beef instead of pork?

Yes, ground beef, turkey, or lamb all work well as substitutes.

What if I don’t want to make the ghosts?

Simply spread the mashed potatoes over the filling and top with cheese. Still delicious!

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes. Steam or sauté them first before layering in the dish.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes. Omit cheese or use a dairy-free version.

What’s the best cheese to use?

A shredded mix, cheddar, mozzarella, or even provolone work well here.

How do I pipe the mashed potato ghosts?

Use a freezer bag with a corner snipped off or a piping bag with a large round tip.

How do I keep the mashed potatoes from being too soft for piping?

Use slightly firmer mashed potatoes by reducing the milk slightly and letting them cool a bit before piping.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the whole dish, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Is this gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour for the gravy and ensure all other ingredients are GF-certified.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap pork for lentils or a meatless crumble and use vegetable broth.

Conclusion

Halloween Spooky Shepherd’s Pie is a festive and hearty dinner with playful personality and serious comfort food vibes. Whether you go all out with mashed potato ghosts or keep it classic, this cozy casserole is perfect for chilly fall nights, Halloween gatherings, or anytime you need a fun, satisfying meal.

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