5 Easy St. Patrick's Day Dinner Recipes for Busy Parents

St. Patrick’s Day is all about celebrating good food and good company—but that doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen. These quick and easy dinner recipes are perfect for busy parents who want to get festive without the fuss. From slow cooker classics to one-pan wonders, these meals are delicious, kid-approved, and stress-free. 🍀💚

Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew

Warm, hearty, and loaded with flavor, this slow cooker Irish beef stew is a classic St. Patrick's Day meal that practically cooks itself!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs stew beef, cubed

• 4 large carrots, chopped

• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup Guinness stout (optional but adds great flavor!)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 2 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir well.

2. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

3. Stir before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.

4. Serve with warm crusty bread!

One-Pan Sausage & Cabbage Skillet

A quick, flavorful dish with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy parents who want a festive but fuss-free meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced

• ½ head of cabbage, chopped

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional for a tangy kick)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add sausage slices and cook until browned.

3. Add onions and cabbage, stirring well. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Cook until cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in apple cider vinegar if using.

5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage (My families absolute favorite) 

No St. Patrick's Day is complete without corned beef and cabbage! This easy slow cooker version ensures tender, flavorful meat every time.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb corned beef brisket (with seasoning packet)

• 1 large onion, quartered

• 3 cloves garlic, smashed

• 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped

• 1 small head of cabbage, cut into wedges

• 4 cups water

• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Place corned beef in the slow cooker, fat side up. Add seasoning packet, onions, garlic, and bay leaf.

2. Pour water over everything. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours.

3. Add carrots and cabbage during the last 2 hours of cooking.

4. Slice corned beef against the grain and serve with vegetables.

Irish Shepherd's Pie

This kid-friendly shepherd’s pie is loaded with seasoned ground beef and veggies, topped with creamy mashed potatoes—comfort food at its best!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 4 cups mashed potatoes (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. In a skillet, cook ground beef with onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, and thyme. Add frozen peas and carrots. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Spread meat mixture into a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and cheese.

5. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve hot!

Easy Irish Soda Bread

Complete your St. Paddy’s Day meal with this quick and easy soda bread—no yeast required!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk

• Optional: ½ cup raisins or currants

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in buttermilk until dough forms.

3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly. Shape into a round loaf.

4. Place on baking sheet and cut a cross on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

5. Serve warm with butter and jam!