Our otherwise classic recipe for shepherd’s pie is mummified with piped stripes of mashed potatoes. And why not? Delicious can be fun, too! A rich filling of ground beef, onion, garlic, thyme, and vegetables simmers in Cabernet Sauvignon and beef broth, then gets wrapped in mashed potato “bandages” and baked until golden. Two candy eyes peeking out from the wrappings finish the look.
Making individual ramekins makes this dish more buffet-friendly than usual, which means it’s perfect for your next gathering of goblins. If your goblins lean toward the gourmet side of the foodie spectrum, break out a nice Cabernet Franc at serving time.
TABLE developed this Halloween recipe collection so our readers would have the most amazing, amusing, and gorgeous food and drink for their Halloween parties this year. Every recipe was developed and styled by Anna Franklin and photographed by Dave Bryce, and every one works as well at the office as it does at home.
Why Mummified Shepherd’s Pie Belongs at Your Halloween Party
It’s a real meal. Among the candy and snacks, a hearty, hot dinner keeps your goblins going all night. It’s buffet friendly. Individual crocks mean no scooping, no mess, and a perfect portion for every guest. It’s easy. Store-bought mashed potatoes and frozen vegetables keep the prep short. And it’s fun. Kids and grown-ups alike will want to be the one who gets to add the eyes.
Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie?
Strictly speaking, shepherd’s pie is made with lamb (shepherds tend sheep), and the same dish made with beef is called cottage pie. In the U.S., most people call both shepherd’s pie, so we’ve kept the name. Want to go traditional? Swap the ground beef for ground lamb.
How to Mummify a Shepherd’s Pie
The mummy effect is all in the piping. Spoon cold mashed potatoes into a piping bag, or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe stripes back and forth across each crock, overlapping and crisscrossing them at slight angles like loosely wrapped bandages. Leave a small gap near the top where the eyes will peek out. Bake until the stripes are golden, then press in two candy eyes.
Cold potatoes hold their shape better than warm ones. A flat or ribbon piping tip makes especially bandage-like stripes. Brush the stripes lightly with melted butter before baking to help them brown.
Cooking with Cabernet, and Enjoying a Glass at the Table
A half cup of Cabernet Sauvignon gives the filling a deep, savory richness and helps build a glossy gravy. Use a bottle you’d be happy to drink, since cooking concentrates the wine’s flavor, and you will have some left over to serve when the dish is ready!
Tips for Making Mummified Shepherd’s Pie
Let the filling thicken. Simmer until the gravy coats the spoon. A thin filling will bubble up through the potato stripes.
Set the crocks on a baking sheet. It makes them easier to move and catches any drips.
Add the eyes after baking. Candy eyes will melt in the oven.
Make it ahead. Fill and pipe the crocks up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add about 10 minutes to the bake time if they go in cold.
Know your guests. The pies contain beef, dairy, wheat, and wine. Worcestershire sauce usually contains anchovies, so check the label if anyone has a fish allergy.
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Mummified Shepherd’s Pie: A Delicious Halloween Crowd-Pleaser
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 individual pies 1x
Description
Individual shepherd’s pies of ground beef, vegetables, and Cabernet Sauvignon, topped with piped stripes of mashed potatoes and candy eyes to look like mummies.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup Cabernet Sauvignon
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 (10-oz) bag frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
For the topping:
- 1 (24-oz) container store-bought mashed potatoes
- Candy eyes
Equipment: 6 (8-oz) mini cast-iron crocks or ovenproof ramekins, a baking sheet, and a piping bag or zip-top bag
Instructions
- Add the butter to a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Add the parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper and stir well. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and garlic, stir to combine, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the flour and tomato paste. Stir until well incorporated and no clumps of tomato paste remain.
- Add the wine, beef broth, peas and carrots, and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Divide the filling among 6 (8-oz) mini cast-iron crocks or ovenproof ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full to leave room for the potatoes, and set them on a baking sheet.
- Spoon the mashed potatoes into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner cut off. Pipe stripes of mashed potato across the top of each crock so it looks like a mummy, leaving a small gap for the eyes.
- Bake until golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
- Press two candy eyes into each mummy and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main course, dinner, party food
- Method: Stovetop and baked
- Cuisine: British-inspired, American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
Mummified Shepherd’s Pie FAQs
What’s the difference between shepherd’s pie and cottage pie?
Shepherd’s pie is traditionally made with lamb, and cottage pie with beef. In the U.S., both usually go by shepherd’s pie.
Can I make homemade mashed potatoes instead?
Yes. You’ll need about 3 cups. Keep them fairly stiff so the stripes hold their shape.
Can I bake it in one dish instead of individual crocks?
Yes. Use a 2-quart baking dish and pipe the mummy stripes across the whole top. Bake about 30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Where do I find candy eyes?
Look for candy eyeballs in the baking or cake-decorating aisle of most supermarkets and craft stores.
What wine goes with shepherd’s pie?
A Cabernet Franc, with its red fruit and savory, herbal notes, is a lovely match for the beef, thyme, and gravy.
More Halloween Party Recipes from TABLE
These are one of eight Halloween party recipes from Anna Franklin. Pair them with our Poison Apple Punch, a color-changing big-batch Halloween punch. For more ideas, try our Halloween cocktails and Halloween treats to make with kids.
About the Recipe Author
Anna Franklin is TABLE Magazine’s food stylist and recipe developer. A Pittsburgh native and graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Academy of Culinary Arts, she spent many years cooking in restaurant kitchens and photo studios before moving into food styling. Anna tests, plates, and styles the recipes and restaurant features in TABLE’s print and digital editions, working alongside photographers Dave Bryce and Laura Petrilla. Read more of her work at TABLE.
About the Photographer
Dave Bryce is TABLE Magazine’s contributing architecture, interiors, and food photographer, based in Pittsburgh. He photographed Fallingwater: Living With and In Art (Rizzoli, 2025) and regularly shoots for Pittsburgh Magazine and American Farmhouse Style, working with architects, interior designers, and hospitality brands. See more at davebrycephotography.com
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