Scary Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

Scary Skillet Shepherd’s Pie (slightly adapted from Kraft Recipes, Total Time: 25 minutes, Servings: 6) 

Ingredients

·         1 pkg.  (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, green beans, peas)

·         1 pkg. Morningstar Farms Burger Crumbles

·         1 can mushroom gravy

·         4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese, cubed

·         1 cup skim milk, divided

·         1 cup water (more if needed)

·         2 cups instant potato flakes

·         ¼ cup  Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions

1.      Cook vegetables as directed on package. Meanwhile, heat crumbles in large skillet. Stir in gravy; simmer 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

2.      Microwave cream cheese and ¼ cup milk in medium microwaveable bowl on HIGH 30 sec.; beat with whisk until blended. Gradually whisk in remaining milk and water. Microwave 2-1/2 min. or until hot, stirring after each minute. Stir in potato flakes and Parmesan until blended. Spoon into resealable plastic bag; cut one corner off bottom of bag. (See comments below)

3.      Remove 12 peas from mixed vegetables; stir remaining vegetables into meat mixture in skillet.

4.      Squeeze potato mixture into 6 mounds on meat mixture to resemble ghosts. Add 2 of the reserved peas to each for the eyes.

A couple of notes on the recipe: you want to make sure that the potatoes are creamy, so you may need to add more water or milk (I find that they are a little dry using the above recipe) AND I found it difficult to use the resealable bag – it’s hot and it leaves part of the potatoes behind!  I find it easier to just shape them onto the crumble/veggie mixture using a spatula.

That said, I loved making this for Halloween!  It’s something a little different that my guests have enjoyed (because of the ghosts).  It’s pretty healthy when using the burger crumbles, mushroom gravy, lower fat cream cheese, and skim milk.  And I like that it has vegetables in there too – protein, veggies, and carbs in one!  I like the taste, creamy and a tad cheesy. The creaminess is really the only consistency. As a meat-eater, my husband is not a fan of this being called a Shepherd’s Pie, but he does like the taste of it, considering it has no meat.  A great way to celebrate the spooky holiday!