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Spooky Graveyard Shepherd Pie Casserole

A comforting and creative casserole perfect for autumn gatherings, featuring a hearty filling and a whimsical presentation.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Casserole Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb Choose lean cuts for better flavor.
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 pcs carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas Add towards the end of cooking to avoid mushiness.
  • 1 cup beef broth Or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp thyme Dried thyme works well.
Topping
  • 4 cups mashed potatoes Use leftovers or pre-made for convenience.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Optional; can use dairy-free cheese.
Decoration
  • as needed black olives To resemble gravestones.
  • as needed chives or green onions For a whimsical grass effect.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or lamb over medium heat until browned and fully cooked.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and minced garlic; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the frozen peas, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme, allowing it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Assembly
  1. Spread the meat mixture evenly in a casserole dish.
  2. Top with a layer of mashed potatoes, smoothing them out to cover the meat.
  3. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top if desired.
Baking and Decoration
  1. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  2. Decorate with black olives for gravestones and chives or green onions for grass.
Serving
  1. Serve hot and enjoy your spooky creation with family and friends.

Notes

This casserole is perfect for Halloween or family gatherings and can be customized with various toppings and fillings.