Halloween Spooky Casserole
This festive casserole layers savory ground beef, colorful vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, baked with a cheesy, golden top. Decorated with spooky toppings like olives and cherry tomatoes, it transforms simple ingredients into a visually striking dish. The final baked casserole offers a comforting, cheesy texture with a fun, creepy vibe perfect for Halloween celebrations.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch casserole dish
- Pot for boiling potatoes
- Masher or fork
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef preferably lean
- 1 cup chopped onions about 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers any color or mix
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes drained if needed
- 4 cups mashed potatoes prepared with butter and milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives for decoration
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in chopped bell peppers and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly and brighten in color.
- Mix in the canned diced tomatoes and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Season with chili powder or salt if desired. Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Meanwhile, prepare the mashed potatoes. Boil peeled potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, a splash of milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly at the bottom of the greased casserole dish, creating a flavorful base layer.
- Top the beef layer with an even layer of mashed potatoes, smoothing out with a spatula to create a flat, fluffy surface.
- Decorate the top with sliced black olives to resemble spooky eyes and halved cherry tomatoes for a bloody effect. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over everything to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown around the edges. The aroma should be inviting and cheesy.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Slice and serve your spooky Halloween casserole, enjoying the cheesy, veggie-studded layers with a fun, festive presentation that’s sure to impress!
