20 Creative Twists on Shepherd's Pie For St. Patrick's Day

Butternut Squash Shepherd’s Pie

Whether you're getting ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, are craving classic comfort food or just love a hearty and satisfying casserole, Shepherd's Pie is a timeless favorite. Classic recipes for the meal and potato dish are all fine and dandy and provide that stick-to-your-ribs warmth we all love. Sometimes, though, you need to change up tradition a bit and put a new spin on old favorites, which is why you need to check out these 20 best Shepherd's Pie recipes.

Related: Best St. Patrick's Day Recipes

Your tastes and diet may change over time, but regardless of whether it's by choice or necessity, you don't want to give up the meals you love the most. Meat and potatoes is something that many people grew up eating, and dishes like Shepherd's Pie bring us back to our childhood. Maybe you want to make it easier on yourself though, and take some of the complications out of the recipe.

Try simply roasting the potatoes or loading the filling on top of fries or baked potatoes. Or perhaps you want to squeeze in more veggies or make a low-carb Shepard's Pie, so butternut squash, cauliflower and sweet potatoes to the rescue. You may have given up meat, but lentils, tempeh and even more veggies can still turn this hearty dish into a vegan Shepard's pie.

Related: How to Make Shepard's Pie in the Instant Pot

Gluten-Free Shephard's Pie

Following a gluten-free or paleo diet? Well, there aren't many changes needed to make that work if you have some cauliflower laying around. Or, maybe you're just tired of the same old, same old. Then why not infuse new flavors like Tex-Mex, Buffalo sauce or even an old-fashioned Thanksgiving version of Shephard's Pie into your dinner rotation? There's even a fun recipe for Shepherd's Pie Stuffed Peppers in this list!

You'll find all of these options and more, with these creative and comforting twists on classic Shepherd's Pie.

Related: 7 Salty & Sweet Recipes To Make With A Pint of Guinness

Best Shepherd's Pie Recipes

<p>Jon Ashton</p><p>After making Shepherd's Pie with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, you'll never settle for store-bought (or take-out) Shepherd's Pie again. <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/shepherds-pie-roasted-garlic-mashed-163842128.html" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link  yahoo-link">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>
<p>Chad A Elick</p><p>To lighten up the classic, this version replaces traditional beef with chicken, and adds white beans make it extra hearty and satisfying. <a href="https://parade.com/26639/donnaelick/tuscan-chicken-shepherds-pie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>
<p>Cupcakes & Kale Chips</p><p>Because everything is better in single serving size. <a href="http://cupcakesandkalechips.com/individual-shepherds-pies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>

Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Because everything is better in single serving size. Get the recipe HERE

<p>Recipe Runner</p><p>Throw tradition out the window and make this tasty and healthy version. <a href="http://reciperunner.com/turkey-shepherds-pie-stuffed-sweet-potatoes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>

Recipe Runner

Throw tradition out the window and make this tasty and healthy version. Get the recipe HERE

<p>All Day I Dream About Food</p><p>Ditch the carbs and still enjoy this comfort food classic. <a href="http://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/2014/10/cheesy-cauliflower-shepherds-pie.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/easy-irish-recipes-st-patricks-190358442.html" data-ylk="slk:52 Easy Irish Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link  yahoo-link">52 Easy Irish Recipes</a></strong></p>
<p>Life Tastes Good</p><p>Save time and dishes by making the entire meal in a single skillet. <a href="http://ourlifetastesgood.blogspot.com/2016/02/skillet-shepherds-pie.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>

Life Tastes Good

Save time and dishes by making the entire meal in a single skillet. Get the recipe HERE

<p>Cupcakes & Kale Chips</p><p>Transform comfort food into finger food that's perfect for a party. <a href="http://cupcakesandkalechips.com/shepherds-pie-loaded-fries/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>

Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Transform comfort food into finger food that's perfect for a party. Get the recipe HERE

<p>Yummy Healthy Easy</p><p>Yes, you can even put Shepherd's Pie on your Meatless Monday menu. <a href="http://www.yummyhealthyeasy.com/2015/10/easy-vegetarian-shepards-pie.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>

Yummy Healthy Easy

Yes, you can even put Shepherd's Pie on your Meatless Monday menu. Get the recipe HERE

<p>Kevin and Amanda</p><p>No need to mash those potatoes if you want to save a little time and effort. <a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/easier-shepherds-pie-with-roasted-potatoes.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>
<p>Baked By Rachel</p><p>Now, this is how you should polish off the leftover turkey, vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy. <a href="http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/leftover-thanksgiving-turkey-shepherds-pie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>
<p>Cupcakes & Kale Chips</p><p>All the flavors you love, but so much easier. <a href="http://cupcakesandkalechips.com/shepherds-pie-loaded-baked-potatoes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/12-salty-sweet-recipes-guinness-215245269.html" data-ylk="slk:12 Salty & Sweet Recipes to Make With Guinness Stout;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;" class="link  yahoo-link">12 Salty & Sweet Recipes to Make With Guinness Stout</a></strong></p>
<p>The Lemon Bowl</p><p>Sweet potatoes with maple syrup and orange zest add a flavorful twist. <a href="http://thelemonbowl.com/2014/12/shepherds-pie-with-whipped-sweet-potatoes.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>

The Lemon Bowl

Sweet potatoes with maple syrup and orange zest add a flavorful twist. Get the recipe HERE

<p>Chocolate Moosey</p><p>Everyone's favorite Irish stout flavors this classic dish which can be made for two or doubled to feed the family. <a href="http://www.chocolatemoosey.com/2014/03/12/guinness-shepherds-pie-for-two/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>
<p>Tastes of Lizzy T</p><p>Yes, even shepherd's pie can even be part of a Paleo diet. Swap in sweet potatoes and it is Whole 30 compliant too. <a href="http://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/2014/09/17/paleo-shepherds-pie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>
<p>Cupcakes & Kale Chips</p><p>If you didn't think it was possible to make shepherd's pie even more delicious, now add some spicy chicken and blue cheese. <a href="http://cupcakesandkalechips.com/buffalo-chicken-shepherds-pie/2/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>
<p>Crumb Blog</p><p>Add some Tex-Mex flair to kick up this classic casserole. <a href="http://www.crumbblog.com/comfort-food-southwest-turkey-shepherds-pie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p><p><strong>Related: <a href="https://parade.com/844483/deannasamaan/31-recipes-featuring-falls-secret-ingredient-beer/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:31 Fall Food Recipes With Beer;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">31 Fall Food Recipes With Beer</a></strong></p>
<p>The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen</p><p>Add a little sweetness, color and veggie power to that fluffy potato topping. <a href="http://girlinthelittleredkitchen.com/2016/03/butternut-squash-shepherds-pie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>
<p>fANNEtastic Food</p><p>Even a plant-based version can still be hearty and satisfying. <a href="http://www.fannetasticfood.com/2015/03/13/vegan-and-gluten-free-shepherds-pie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>

fANNEtastic Food

Even a plant-based version can still be hearty and satisfying. Get the recipe HERE

<p>Cupcakes & Kale Chips</p><p>Combine two favorite meals into one fun dish. <a href="http://cupcakesandkalechips.com/shepherds-pie-stuffed-peppers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>

Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Combine two favorite meals into one fun dish. Get the recipe HERE

<p>The Food Charlatan</p><p>Because sometimes you don't want to mess with tradition. <a href="http://thefoodcharlatan.com/2016/02/23/classic-shepherds-pie-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE</a></p>

The Food Charlatan

Because sometimes you don't want to mess with tradition. Get the recipe HERE

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