Spooky Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Ghost Toppers – Halloween Comfort Food

This Spooky Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Ghost Toppers is the perfect mix of comfort and creativity. A classic ground meat and veggie filling is topped with creamy mashed potatoes piped into adorable little ghosts—eyes and all! It’s a cozy Halloween dinner that’ll impress kids and adults alike.

I created this when I wanted something warm and hearty for Halloween night that wasn’t sugar-based. It’s become a tradition in our house to make it before trick-or-treating. The mashed potato ghosts are not just cute—they’re also rich, buttery, and perfectly browned in the oven.

You can use ground beef, lamb, or turkey, and customize the filling with frozen or fresh vegetables. It’s easy to make ahead and reheat, which is a huge bonus on busy nights. Serve it in a casserole or as individual ramekins for a party-friendly version.

Fun, filling, and festive—this shepherd’s pie is a guaranteed hit at any Halloween table.

Spooky Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Ghost Toppers – Halloween Comfort Food

A spooky twist on shepherd’s pie topped with piped mashed potato ghosts. A cozy and creative Halloween dinner the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Cuisine: American

Calories: 390

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• For the filling:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion diced
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables carrots, peas, corn
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the mashed ghost topping:
• 3 large potatoes peeled and cubed
• 3 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup milk
• Salt to taste
• Olive slices or peppercorns for ghost eyes

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender (15 minutes). Drain, mash with butter and milk. Set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat oil. Add onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes. Add meat and brown.
4. Stir in tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
5. Stir in mixed vegetables and remove from heat.
6. Transfer filling to a baking dish.
7. Spoon mashed potatoes into a piping bag with a round tip. Pipe ghost shapes over filling.
8. Add olive or peppercorn eyes to each ghost.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until ghosts are lightly golden.
10. Serve warm with a spooky smile!