20 Best St. Patrick’s Day Main Course Recipes for a Lucky Family Dinner

Are you ready to find the perfect St. Patrick's Day main course? You'll discover traditional Irish dishes like Stew and Shepherd's Pie, but also some unique options that will surprise you. Get ready to taste the luck of the Irish!

Guinness Glazed Pork Chops are just one of the many yummy recipes waiting for you. With so many delicious options, you'll have a hard time choosing just one. From classic to creative, these St. Patrick's Day main courses will make your family dinner unforgettable!

1. Traditional Irish Stew

Hearty and comforting, Traditional Irish Stew is a classic dish made with tender lamb and root vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lamb or beef, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cups lamb or beef broth
• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the lamb and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and potatoes to the pot.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the broth, Guinness, and thyme to the pot.
6. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, until the meat is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
7. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, if desired.

2. Shepherd's Pie Delight

A classic Irish dish made with ground meat and mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the ground beef in a pan over medium heat until browned.
3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, peas and carrots, beef broth, and tomato paste to the pan.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the butter until melted.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the meat mixture.
8. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

3. Lucky Corned Beef Brisket

Tender corned beef brisket cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 (4-5 pound) corned beef brisket
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven, combine sliced onion and minced garlic.
3. Place the corned beef brisket on top of the onion and garlic.
4. In a small bowl, mix together beef broth, brown sugar, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the broth mixture over the corned beef brisket.
6. Cover the Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
7. Braise the corned beef brisket for 3-4 hours, or until tender.
8. Remove the brisket from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

4. Colcannon and Sausage Skillet

Hearty Irish dish with sausage and colcannon.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sweet sausage
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 head cabbage
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, browning on all sides.
2. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to skillet, cooking until onion is translucent.
4. Add cabbage to skillet, cooking until wilted.
5. Stir in mashed potatoes, butter, salt, and pepper.
6. Return sausage to skillet, stirring to combine with colcannon mixture.
7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, serving hot.

5. Emerald Isle Chicken

Delicious Emerald Isle Chicken with Irish flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and cook the chicken until browned.
4. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add flour and whisk to make a roux.
6. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened.
8. Pour the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with parsley.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

6. Irish Beef and Guinness Stew

Hearty Irish stew made with tender beef and rich Guinness stout.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups Guinness stout
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the Guinness stout, beef broth, and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
6. Add the carrots, potatoes, and thyme, stirring to combine.
7. Cover the pot and simmer until the beef is tender, about 2 1/2 hours.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

7. Bacon and Cabbage Carbonade

Hearty Bacon and Cabbage Carbonade is a twist on traditional Irish dishes.

Ingredients

• 6 slices of bacon
• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the cabbage to the pot and cook until it starts to wilt.
5. Add the beef broth, brown sugar, and thyme to the pot.
6. Return the bacon to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

8. St Patrick's Day Pot Roast

Tender pot roast with Irish flavors perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 3-pound beef pot roast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F.
2. Season the pot roast with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the pot roast until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove the pot roast and set aside.
6. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
7. Add the garlic, beef broth, Guinness stout, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot.
8. Return the pot roast to the pot and bring to a boil.
9. Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven.
10. Baste the pot roast with the cooking liquid every 30 minutes.
11. After 2 hours, add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the pot.
12. Continue cooking for another 30-40 minutes, or until the pot roast is tender.
13. Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes.
14. Slice the pot roast and serve with the carrots, potatoes, and cooking liquid.

9. Shamrock Chicken and Dumplings

Hearty Irish-inspired comfort food featuring chicken and fluffy dumplings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups mixed vegetables, such as carrots and peas
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat and add the chicken, cooking until browned on all sides.
2. Add the chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot, bringing the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and heavy cream until smooth, then stir the mixture into the pot.
5. Add the mixed vegetables to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. To make the dumplings, combine 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a bowl, then gradually add 3/4 cup of warm water, stirring until a dough forms.
7. Drop the dumpling dough by spoonfuls onto the top of the simmering stew, covering the pot with a lid.
8. Cook the dumplings for 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy, then serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

10. Braised Short Ribs With Irish Ale

Tender short ribs slow-cooked in a rich Irish ale sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds beef short ribs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Irish ale
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
5. Remove the ribs and set aside.
6. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
7. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
8. Add the Irish ale, beef broth, and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
9. Return the short ribs to the pot and bring to a boil.
10. Cover the pot and transfer to the preheated oven.
11. Braise the short ribs for 2 1/2 hours, or until tender.
12. Add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the pot and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes.
13. Stir in the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.
14. Serve the short ribs with the braising liquid spooned over the top.

11. Cabbage and Noodle Soup

Hearty Cabbage and Noodle Soup for a comforting St. Patrick's Day meal.

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 medium head of cabbage
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Chop the onion and sauté in a pot until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Shred the cabbage and add to the pot, cooking until slightly wilted.
4. Add the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer.
6. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions.
7. Add the cooked noodles to the pot and stir to combine.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

12. Grilled Salmon With Irish Butter

Grilled salmon with a delicious Irish butter sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together butter, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side.
4. During the last minute of cooking, brush the Irish butter mixture evenly onto the salmon fillets.
5. Remove the salmon from the grill and serve immediately.

13. Irish Sausage and Potato Boil

Hearty Irish Sausage and Potato Boil for a festive celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Irish sausage
• 4 large potatoes
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with chicken broth and bring to a boil.
2. Add the sliced Irish sausage to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes to the pot and cook until they are tender.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

14. Beef and Mushroom Irish Stew

Hearty Irish stew with tender beef and mushrooms.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
5. Add the broth, thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2 1/2 hours.
7. Stir in the flour to thicken the stew.
8. Add the butter and stir until melted.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

15. Boxty and Corned Beef Cakes

Crispy Boxty and Corned Beef Cakes are a delicious Irish dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup corned beef, diced
• 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, corned beef, mashed potatoes, onion, and egg.
2. Mix well until a dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into 6-8 portions and shape into patties.
4. Heat the melted butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.
5. Fry the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

16. Roasted Leg of Lamb With Rosemary

Tender leg of lamb roasted with fragrant rosemary and garlic.

Ingredients

• 1 (1.5-2 pound) leg of lamb
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Rub the mixture all over the leg of lamb, making sure to coat it evenly.
4. Place the lamb in a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
5. Roast the lamb for 20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

17. Irish Cheddar and Bacon Frittata

A delicious Irish-inspired breakfast dish filled with cheddar, bacon, and eggs.

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup Irish cheddar, diced
• 6 slices of bacon, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
3. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the diced scallions and cook for 1 minute.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt.
6. Add the diced Irish cheddar, cooked bacon, and scallions to the bowl and stir to combine.
7. Pour the egg mixture into a greased 9-inch pie plate or skillet.
8. Dot the top of the frittata with butter.
9. Bake the frittata for 25-30 minutes or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

18. Pan Seared Cod With Irish Herbs

Delicious cod dish infused with traditional Irish herbs.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together parsley, dill, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the cod fillets with olive oil and season with the herb mixture.
4. Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add the cod fillets to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside.
7. Reduce heat to medium and add the lemon juice and butter to the skillet.
8. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
9. Serve the cod with the sauce spooned over the top.

19. Traditional Irish Meatloaf

Traditional Irish Meatloaf is a hearty dish made with ground meat and Irish ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup Irish cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, rolled oats, chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, egg, Irish cheddar cheese, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape into a loaf shape on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

20. Guinness Glazed Pork Chops

Tender pork chops smothered in a rich Guinness glaze.

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops
• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine Guinness stout, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Brush the pork chops with olive oil and season with thyme.
5. Place the pork chops on a baking sheet and brush with the Guinness glaze.
6. Bake the pork chops in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

You've hit the jackpot with these St. Patrick's Day main courses, a pot of gold at the end of a culinary rainbow. With each dish, you'll savor the flavors of Ireland, a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more, a true gastronomic treasure to cherish.