Description
This unorthodox Spooky Shepherd’s Pie offers a comforting, hearty meal with a seasonal twist. Ground beef, sweet carrots, and peas form a savory base, all topped with creamy, nutmeg-infused mashed potatoes. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s a satisfying dish perfect for October gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 lb ground beef, preferably well-marbled
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas, frozen or fresh
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Place peeled potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter. Once melted, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and crispy, about 8 minutes, then drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in diced carrots and peas, cooking until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce for flavor.
- Return drained potatoes to the pot. Add butter, milk, and ground nutmeg. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting with more milk if needed.
- Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish, creating a hearty layer.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes over the meat layer, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, skip the butter and milk in the mash.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a swirl of beetroot puree for extra spooky flair.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Homestyle
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg