Best St. Patrick’s Day Irish Shepherd’s Pie

Best St. Patrick’s Day Irish Shepherd’s Pie

by | Mar 13, 2023 | Recipes, Spring, St. Patrick's Day

This tasty Irish Shepherd’s Pie exudes comfort with its savory, hearty meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s gluten free with options for dairy and egg free.

Slice of baked Irish Shepherd's pie on white plate

St. Patrick’s Day Memories Growing Up

My biggest memories growing up were making SURE to wear green to school, so I didn’t get pinched, AND making sure to pinch others who didn’t wear green. I also remember asking my mom if there was really a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and searching for four leaf clovers with friends.

Do you Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

If you’ve learned anything about me, you know I love a reason to celebrate. So today let’s celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a cozy Irish Shepherd’s Pie!

Why You’ll Love this Irish Shepherd’s Pie

  • This hearty meal will warm you from head to toe on a chilly night.
  • You’ll love the combination of the flavorful meat filling with the luscious, mashed potatoes.
  • Many ingredients are flexible if you need to cater to taste preferences or allergies (It’s already gluten free, but can be made dairy and/or egg free as well).
  • It’s great for a small St. Patrick’s Day celebration at home or to take to a larger gathering. Turn it into an appetizer by dividing it into mini pies.
Irish Shepherd's Pie Why You'll Love It

What’s in this Shepherd’s Pie?

For the Mashed Potatoes:

Gold Potatoes – Gold potatoes have a delightful natural buttery taste.

    • Change it up: If Russet potatoes are what you have on hand, they’ll work just fine for this recipe.

Sour Cream– This adds creaminess and to the mashed potatoes.

    • Change it up: Try a lactose or dairy free sour cream if making a dairy free dish.

Butter– For added richness.

    • Change it up: Use a non-dairy buttery spread for dairy free mashed potatoes or if that’s all you have on hand.

Milk – I like to use a lactose free milk called Fairlife that’s nice and creamy (even the non fat!).

    • Change it up: You can leave the milk out of the mashed potatoes all together for dairy free. Just add a little extra dairy free sour cream spread and/or non-dairy buttery spread.

Egg Yolk – More creaminess!

    • Change it up: Leave the egg out if you need an egg free dish.

Dubliner Irish Cheese – This adds a little zip and zing to the flavor.

    • Change it up: You can also use a sharp white cheddar or if you’d like to make then dairy free, leave the cheese out entirely.

Salt & Pepper

For the Meat Filling:

Ground Lamb – Ground lamb is used in the traditional Irish version of this dish.

    • Change it up: You can use ground beef in this recipe if you’re not a fan of lamb or if you’d like a more budget friendly option.

Olive Oil – This heart healthy oil is my favorite to cook with.

White Onion – For added flavor.

    • Change it up: Yellow onion works well too.

Carrots –The texture and taste of fresh peeled and shredded carrot works well in this recipe.

    • Speed it up: Fresh carrots are best, but you can save a little time by using frozen carrots (or a peas and carrots mix). Just add the frozen peas and carrots into the meat mixture last, just before spreading the potatoes on top and putting in the oven.

Garlic – I use a couple of minced, fresh cloves to add some nice flavor.

    • Speed it up: If pre-minced, jarred garlic is what you have on hand, you can use this in a pinch. Add just a little extra.

Fresh Herbs – Sage and Thyme, pull the leaves off the stem and chop finely. Dried herbs/spices can be used as well, you’ll want to use a teaspoon of dried herbs vs a tablespoon of fresh.

Salt & Pepper

Gluten Free Beef Stock – This is a base for the filling’s gravy and adds to the hearty flavor.

Worcestershire – Adds a nice tanginess to the meat mixture. In the US, Lea & Perrins brand Worcestershire is gluten free.

Dijon Mustard – For a little zip.

Cornstarch – This helps to bring the gravy sauce to just the right thickness.

Peas – I prefer frozen peas. Add them into the meat mixture last, just before adding the potatoes on top to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Parsley – This makes a tasty (and pretty) garnish before serving.

 

Irish Shepherd's Pie Fresh From Oven

How to make the Shepherd’s Pie

Make the Meat Filling

  • Preheat oven to 375F
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat.
  • Add lamb or beef and brown the meat, stirring and breaking it apart as it cooks until there is no longer any pink.
  • Next add onion, garlic and shredded carrots and continue to cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion browns and carrots soften.
  • Stir in the fresh sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Irish Shepherd's Pie Meat Filling
  • In a separate small bowl, mix the beef stock, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard and cornstarch together well with a whisk.
  • Stir the beef stock mixture in with the filling and bring to a gentle simmer on med-low.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Add the frozen peas to the meat mixture and stir until mixed in well.

Make the Potatoes

  • Peel Potatoes and cut into 4-6 even pieces.
  • Prepare a large pot of water with salt and add potatoes.
  • Bring potatoes to a boil and reduce heat to medium-high.
Irish Shepherd's Pie Boil Potatoes
  • Continue cooking potatoes until they can be easily pierced with a fork, but still have structure.
  • Remove from heat and drain potatoes, retuning them to the pot.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolk, milk, melted butter and sour cream together.
  • Add the mixture to the potatoes and mix until well combined. I prefer a hand mixer, but a potato masher works fine too.
Irish Shepherd's Pie Mash Potatoes
  • Stir in the cheese.
  • Add salt and pepper.

Make the Pie

  • Next add the meat mixture to the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly and to the edges.
Irish Shepherd's Pie Spread Meat Filling
  • Spoon the potatoes somewhat evenly over the meat mixture so it will be easier to spread.
  • Spread the potatoes over the meat mixture and out to the edges of the dish, covering the meat entirely.
  • If you’re feeling creative, use a fork, knife or spoon to create a nice pattern or texture to the top of the potatoes. *** This is optional, of course.
Irish Shepherd's Pie Add Potatoes
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes until potatoes begin to brown. You may see the meat mixture bubbling around the edges.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve.

What to serve with St. Patrick’s Day Irish Shepherd’s Pie

  • Green Salad – Try salad greens, cucumber, avocado, green onion and Green Goddess dressing, for an entirely green salad that will add to the St. Patrick’s Day festiveness.

 

  • Sliced baguette (gluten free) – with butter, non-dairy buttery spread or a mix of olive oil, Balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper for dipping.

 

 

  • Red Wine, Beer, or Sparkling Lemon Water – Pinot Noir, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon go well with this dish. Try an Irish beer if gluten isn’t an issue. If so, there are a few gluten free beers available now. For an alcohol-free option, sparkling lemon water is an excellent choice.
Irish Shepherd's Pie Main

Making Ahead, Storing and Reheating Leftover Sherpherd’s Pie

Make Ahead – This can be made ahead of time and palced in the fridge before baking. You’ll want to bake and consume or freeze the Shepherd’s Pie within three days.

 

Storing Leftovers

    • Fridge – Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it right in the baking dish, covered with plastic wrap or in smaller containers if you don’t have room for the larger baking dish. I recommend glass food storage containers with lids or plastic wrap in the fridge.

 

    • Freezer – You can also store the pie in the freezer for up to three months, but make sure your dish is safe for freezer use. Some glass dishes will shatter in the freezer. If your storage container does not have a lid, tightly place a couple layers of foil over the top.

 

Reheating Leftovers – Thaw the Irish Shepherd’s Pie overnight in the fridge before you are going to eat it. It reheats well in the microwave. You can also reheat it in the oven, but add a little extra time since it’ll be chilled or set it on the counter for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to re-warm.

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Slice of Shepherd's Pie close up

St. Patrick's Day Irish Shepherd's Pie

This tasty Irish Shepherd’s Pie exudes comfort with its savory, hearty meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes. It's gluten free with options for dairy and egg free.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Irish
Servings 8
Calories 345 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Filling

  • 1 lb Ground Lamb or Beef
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Medium White Onion
  • 1 Large Carrot, peeled and shredded
  • 2 Cloves Garlic
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Sage Leaves, stems removed and finely chopped May substitute 1 tsp dried sage
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Thyme, stems removed May substitute 1 tsp dried thyme leaves
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Cracked Black Pepper
  • ¾ Cup Beef Stock Gluten free
  • 1.5 Tbsp Worcestershire Lea & Perrins brand is gluten free in US
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
  • ½ Cup Frozen Peas
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped For a garnish

For the Mashed Potatoes

  • 2 lb Gold Potatoes About 3 large potatoes
  • ½ Cup Sour Cream Can use dairy-free sour cream or leave out and use extra non-dairy buttery spread
  • ½ Cup Dubliner Irish or Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, shredded Leave our for dairy-free
  • 2 Tbsp Butter or non-dairy buttery spread, melted
  • ¼ Cup Milk Leave out for dairy-free
  • 1 Egg yolk Leave out for egg-free and use extra butter or non-dairy buttery spread
  • ¼ tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Cracked Black Pepper

Instructions
 

Make the Meat Filling

  • Preheat oven to 375F
  • Heat olive oil ina large skillet on medium heat.
  • Add lamb or beef and brown the meat, stirring and breaking it apart as it cooks until there is no longer any pink.
  • Add onion, garlic and shredded carrots and continue to cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion browns and carrots soften.
  • Stir in the fresh sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • In a separate small bowl, mix the beef stock, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard and cornstarch together well with a whisk.
  • Stir the beef stock mixture in with the filling and bring to a gentle simmer on med-low.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Add the frozen peas to the meat mixture and stir until mixed in well.

Make the Potatoes

  • Peel Potatoes and cut into 4-6 even pieces.
  • Prepare a large pot of water with salt and add potatoes.
  • Bring potatoes to a boil and reduce heat to medium-high.
  • Continue cooking potatoes until they can be easily pierced with a fork, but still have structure.
  • Remove from heat and drain potatoes, retuning them to the pot.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolk, milk, melted butter and sour cream together.
  • Add the mixture to the potatoes and mix until well combined. I prefer a hand mixer, but a potato masher works fine too.
  • Stir in the cheese.
  • Add salt and pepper.

Make the Pie

  • Add the meat mixture to the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly and to the edges.
  • Spoon the potatoes somewhat evenly over the meat mixture so it will be easier to spread.
  • Spread the potatoes over the meat mixture and out to the edges of the dish, covering the meat entirely.
  • If you’re feeling creative, use a fork, knife, or spoon to create a nice pattern or texture to the top of the potatoes. ***This is optional, of course.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes until potatoes begin to brown. You may see the meat mixture bubbling around the edges.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve.
Keyword Gluten Free, Shepherd's Pie, Spring, St. Patrick's Day

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3 Best Spring Break Activities for Families Staying Home

3 Best Spring Break Activities for Families Staying Home

by | Mar 6, 2023 | At Home, Spring

Staying in town for spring break and looking for something to do? Look no further than these spring break activities! They’ll keep you and the family entertained, having fun, and creating new memories.

So, you’ve decided to stay home this year for spring break.  Maybe the budget is tight or you just aren’t up for traveling this year, but whatever the reason, I’m here to help! Take a look at the spring break fun below to keep you and the kiddos happy and enjoying the break.

Spring Break Activity #1: Backyard Camping

Why not pitch a tent in the backyard or set your sleeping bag up outside under the stars? Leave those phones and tablets inside and head outside for some good ole fashioned family fun.

What To Do During Your Spring Break Backyard Camping Trip:

  • Campfire – Get out the fire pit, set up the camping chairs and warm yourselves by the fire.

 

  • Eat Dinner – Roast up a hotdog or brat, throw a can of baked beans in the camping pot and enjoy some quality time around the fire as you eat dinner.

 

  • Eat Dessert – What’s a camping trip with out roasting up some marshmallows? Step up your game even more and make s’mores. Get creative with your s’mores and try them with peanut butter cups or mint chocolate. Yum! ***Gluten free friends – did you know there are multiple brands that make gf graham style crackers?!
  • Ghost Stories – Tell your favorite family friendly ghost story! If you don’t know any, look some up beforehand. Another fun way to do some story telling it is to make one up with the whole family. The first person starts with a sentence or a phrase and you go around the circle and each person adds a phrase or sentence until someone decides to end the story. Here’s an example:
      • Person 1: It was a dark and stormy night…
      • Person 2: and the house was cold.
      • Person 3: Jim Bob and Margo went to start a fire when…
      • Person 4: a bat flew out of the fireplace and into the house.
      • Person 1: This wasn’t just any old bat, it had…
      • Person 2: one red and one yellow eye!

You get the idea. You’ll be sure to laugh at what everyone comes up with.

  • Play the Would-You-Rather Game –Have everyone come up with two things to ask the rest of the group and everyone goes around and answers. Here’s a couple of examples:
      • Would you rather have a pet snake or a pet spider?
      • Would you rather play in the ocean or snowboard down the mountain?
      • Would you rather jump in an ice-cold pool and stay in for 1 minute or clean the toilets?

They can be fun things or things that no one would want to do. Either way, it’s always entertaining to learn how everyone will answer and why. This is a fun spring break activity whether you’re camping or not. Try it around the dinner table now and again for some fun quality family time.

Spring Break Activity #2: Plant a Fruit and/or Vegetable Garden

Spring is the perfect time for planting and what’s more fun and educational for the family than growing your own food? If you’re not much of a gardener, choose a couple of fruit or veggie plants to place in planters. If you consider yourself a plant pro with a green thumb, try out that large garden bed.

Steps to Planting a Fruit/Vegetable Garden:

  • Research what fruits/veggies grow well in your area.

 

  • Based on what will grow where you live, choose some crops that you will eat and enjoy having in your backyard.

 

  • Research how to care for them. You can look online, but consider also speaking with someone at a local nursery or in the garden section at your local store. You’ll often find more specific information from a local expert on how to best care for plants, specifically in your area. You’ll want to know the following:
    1. How much sun do they need and what’s too much? ***Consider where to place your planters or garden bed in your yard based on sun needs. Some plants need morning sun and afternoon shade, for instance.
    2. How often do they need watering?
    3. What soil works best?
    4. What fertilizer/nutrients/plant food will they need and how often and when?
    5. What tools will you need?
  • Decide how many plants you want to care for.

 

  • Choose where you want to plant them (in planters vs. garden bed).

 

  • Purchase what you need. There are some great kid-sized garden gloves and tools out there. You can even find adult garden gloves in fun colors and styles to make it more fun.

 

  • Enjoy planting with the family!

 

  • Track the progress with pictures every few days.

 

  • When the plants produce fruit or vegetables (long after spring break is over) have the kids help you with a recipe that includes something from the garden. It’s a great lesson to see where food comes from and how it goes from seed to food to in your belly!

Spring Break Activity #3: Scavenger Hunt

How about a Scavenger Hunt? Variations of this fun game can be done with small children wanting to hang out with their parent/s, all the way up to teenagers wanting a little independence.

Where and How to Do a Spring Break Scavenger Hunt?

  • Nice Weather? Head Outside for a Walk or Bike Ride! If your spring break weather is nice (or at least tolerable) head outside for a scavenger hunt. Make a list of items to hunt for while out on a stroll or bike ride and see how many you can find!
    • What to Hunt for Outside:
      • Local wildlife or animals – See if you can spot birds, bunnies, squirrels, or even domestic pets you might find in your area.
      • Local trees and plants – Search for either native vegetation or plants and trees commonly planted and grown in your area.
  • Poor Weather? Head Inside to the Mall or Grocery Store!

The mall is great for teenagers. Set them loose at the mall for an hour or two for this fun spring break activity.

At the grocery store, kids can learn about the cost of food, how to read grocery store tags, how to find budget friendly items, where to find various items and more.

    • What to Hunt for at the Mall?
      • Clothing Items, Shoes, Toys, Sporting Equipment – Make a list of specific items to hunt for (i.e. red high heels, blue sweatshirt, basketball). Split into teams and have them take a picture of each item. See who can find the most items in the allotted time with no running allowed (let’s not alert the mall cops, ha ha)! They get a point for each item found on the list, but only get points if they find something different than the other team/s (a different brand or style of red high heels, for example).
  • What to Hunt for at the Grocery Store:
    • Grocery Items, Makeup, Household Supplies, Pet Food, etc – For kids who are old enough, make a random list of items you would find at a grocery store. Send kids out to shop for those items. Have them try and find the least expensive version of the items and write them down or take a picture on their phone if they have one. Then tally up the cost at the end and see who has the least expensive bill.
    • Grocery Items You Need – Make your grocery shopping trip into a game. If they’re old enough, give each kiddo three groceries and see how long it takes to come back with the items (without running). For younger kids, just have them help you hunt for items. Look at tags together and see if they can tell you how much an item is or find point to numbers on the tags.

Whether your spring break activities include a backyard campout, planting a vegetable garden, doing a scavenger hunt, or all three, you’re sure to have a fun time and create some new memories!   

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