Begin by chopping your potatoes into even chunks and placing them in a large pot. Fill the pot with cold, salted water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the water and mash the potatoes in the same pot with butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until creamy. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly before moving on.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Next, increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked through. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mixed vegetables, and broth, seasoning everything with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully spoon the rich filling into a baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a solid base. Using a piping bag or a spoon, pipe or spread the fluffy mashed potatoes over the filling, creating playful swirls that resemble ghosts. To make the dish even spookier, place peppercorns as 'eyes' on the potato ghosts for a ghoulish touch.

Place the assembled Creepy Shepherd’s Pie in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch closely for the topping to become golden brown and for bubbling filling around the edges. This will ensure that your pie is cooked perfectly and will give it an inviting appearance for your Halloween table.

Once baked, take the Creepy Shepherd’s Pie out of the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the filling to set a bit, making it easier to slice when serving. Enjoy the delightful playfulness and comfort of this spooky dish with family and friends!