Hearty Shepherd’s Pie with Locally Raised Ground Beef – A St. Patrick’s Day Classic

As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a warm, comforting dish straight from the heart of Irish tradition—Shepherd’s Pie! This classic recipe is made even better with locally raised ground beef, bringing out the rich, savory flavors of farm-fresh ingredients. Whether you’re wanting a special meal for Monday, or just a good meal to warm your soul these last few days of winter, this is a great choice!

Why Use Locally Raised Beef?

Supporting local farmers means fresher, more flavorful beef while also contributing to your community’s economy. Locally sourced meat often contains fewer preservatives and is raised more sustainably, making your meal both delicious and responsible.

Last week we shared about out partnership with West Ridge Farms in Little Mountain. We are moving out of raising and selling grass fed beef during this season to focus on our pastured pork and pastured chicken, but we still wanted some beef staples to be available to our customers. West Ridge Farms' owner Adam Frick has been a longtime friend of ours and we often pointed people in his direction when they were interested in larger shares of beef that we weren't able to supply. We're super excited to have partnered with Adam to have his ground beef available in our farm store and for delivery to our customers.

Now, let’s get to cooking!

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Serves: 6-8Prep Time: 30 minutesCook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 2 lbs West Ridge Farms Beef

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 carrots, diced

• 1 can of peas

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

• 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

For the Mashed Potato Topping:

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, cubed (lots of recipes called for them being peeled - I ain't got time for that and I think they turned out great)

• 6 tbsp butter

• ½ cup whole milk

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the cubed potatoes. Cook for about 15 minutes or until fork-tender.

2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

3. Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. For extra richness, mix in shredded cheddar cheese. Set aside. You can certainly play with this recipe and the flavors by trying different kinds of cheese. Shredded parmesan is a popular one in Shepherd's Pie recipes.

   
   

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. In a large skillet, cook the West Ridge Farms Ground Beef over medium heat until browned.

2. Add beef broth, diced onions, carrots, and garlic, cooking about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well to coat the meat and veggies.

4. Add the thyme and rosemary. Let simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Stir in the can of peas and season with salt and pepper to taste.

   
   

Step 3: Assemble the Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F

2. Spread the beef filling evenly in a baking dish (9x13 works well).

3. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and smooth them out with a spatula. Use a fork to create little ridges for a crispier top.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

   
   

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with a side of buttered Irish soda bread and a pint of Guinness for the full St. Patrick’s Day experience!

I love recipes like this where you can play with what your family likes - got some pea hatters, maybe use corn instead. Our daughter hates cooked carrots, so when I chopped them, I made sure they were large enough for her to pick around. I am not someone who has always enjoyed the kitchen, so I can't believe I'm saying this, but have fun with it!

A Taste of Tradition

Shepherd’s Pie is more than just a meal—it’s one of those dishes that is a hearty tradition and in so many families you know the recipes have been passed down through the generations. By using locally sourced beef, you’re adding an extra layer of care and quality to this classic dish. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with friends or simply craving a cozy, home-cooked meal, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Don't forget to add some West Ridge Farms Ground Beef to your order this week from Bowers Farm!

Sláinte! 🍀