Traditional Irish Dingle Pie
There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade Irish Dingle Pie. The rich, savory filling wrapped in a flaky, golden crust feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This recipe is a true taste of Irish tradition, bringing together tender lamb, hearty root vegetables, and a deeply flavorful broth—all encased in a buttery, homemade pastry.
I first fell in love with this dish after stumbling across it in an old family cookbook, tucked between the pages of handwritten notes from my grandmother. The name alone intrigued me, and when I finally made it, the aroma that filled my kitchen was irresistible. The first bite confirmed it—this was the dish my family had been missing. Even my pickiest eater cleaned their plate and asked for seconds!
What makes this pie truly special is its simplicity. The ingredients are humble, but when they come together, they create a dish that’s both rustic and refined. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal—prepare it in advance, bake when ready, and serve with a side of greens for a complete, nourishing dinner. Whether you’re looking for an authentic Irish meal for St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a hearty, homemade pie, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
What is Dingle Pie?
Dingle Pie is a traditional Irish lamb pie, named after the picturesque town of Dingle in County Kerry, Ireland. It features a savory meat and vegetable filling wrapped in a flaky, golden crust.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! While lamb is the most traditional choice, you can substitute it with beef or chicken if preferred.
Do I have to make my own pastry?
Homemade pastry gives the best flavor and texture, but store-bought shortcrust pastry works great if you’re short on time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
What can I serve with Dingle Pie?
A simple side of steamed greens, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with this dish.
What You Need to Make Irish Dingle Pie
Ingredients:
For the Pastry:
2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ teaspoon salt
6-8 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
1 lb (450g) lamb, diced
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
1 large potato, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 ½ cups (360ml) beef or lamb broth
1 tablespoon flour (for thickening)
1 tablespoon butter (for frying)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Special Equipment:
Rolling pin
9-inch pie dish
Pastry brush
How to Make Irish Dingle Pie
Step 1: Make the Pastry
In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft.
Add the lamb, searing until browned on all sides.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add the broth, carrots, potatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme. Let simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out two-thirds of the pastry and line the pie dish.
Spoon the filling into the dish and roll out the remaining pastry to cover the pie.
Seal the edges, cut a few vents on top, and brush with beaten egg.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Irish Dingle Pie
Chill the pastry dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out to ensure a flaky crust.
Use leftover roast lamb for a richer flavor and quicker prep.
Brush the top with egg wash to get that perfect golden crust.
Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before cutting—this helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Make it a meal! Serve with steamed greens or a crisp salad for balance.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Absolutely delicious! The lamb was so tender, and the pastry turned out perfect. Will definitely make this again!” – Emily
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great recipe! I used store-bought pastry, and it still turned out amazing. Next time, I’ll try making the pastry from scratch!” – Sarah
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This pie was a huge hit in my house. Even my kids who don’t like lamb loved it!” – Mark
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Very flavorful, though I added a bit more seasoning to the filling. Overall, a wonderful recipe!” – Julia
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect comfort food for a rainy day. Reminds me of a dish my grandma used to make. Loved it!” – David
Printable Recipe
Before you print the recipe, could I ask you a favor? Please consider sharing this recipe on Facebook or pin to a group on Pinterest? This would really help us out. Thank you so much <3
Irish Dingle Pies
This Irish Dingle Pie is a traditional Irish lamb pie, featuring tender meat, hearty vegetables, and a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for cozy family dinners or a St. Patrick’s Day feast, this authentic Irish recipe is easy to make and packed with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Pastry:
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6-8 tablespoons cold water
- For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) lamb, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) beef or lamb broth
- 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for frying)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Special Equipment:
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch pie dish
- Pastry brush
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pastry
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft.
- Add the lamb, searing until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the broth, carrots, potatoes, salt, pepper, and thyme. Let simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out two-thirds of the pastry and line the pie dish.
- Spoon the filling into the dish and roll out the remaining pastry to cover the pie.
- Seal the edges, cut a few vents on top, and brush with beaten egg.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
Crockpot White Russians
Crockpot Meatballs In Onion Gravy
Crockpot Apple Cider
