Shepherd's Pie in Calgary

Shepherd’s pie is a St. Patrick’s Day classic – comfort food at its finest.

With hearty meat, gravy, veggies and a mashed potato topping, it’s perfect for the pub, a night in with a Guinness, or stocking the freezer for later.

Not all pies are created equal – especially when it comes to Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie. While both feature a savoury meat filling topped with mashed potatoes, the key difference lies in the protein.

Shepherd’s Pie is traditionally made with lamb, a nod to the shepherds who tend sheep, while Cottage Pie uses beef, a classic staple for rural cottage kitchens. If you’ve been using the names interchangeably, don’t worry – you’re not alone! Both pies are equally delicious.

We’ve rounded up some of the tastiest pies in the city, just in time for  St. Patrick’s Day.

The Kensington Pub
Kensington Pub is a neighbourhood fave and so is their shepherd’s pie. Their version is filled with minced lamb and spring vegetables in a rich red wine gravy. It’s then topped with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and cheese and baked to perfection.

Pie Junkie
Known for their homemade from scratch pies in their signature all-butter crust, Pie Junkie  offers both sweet and savoury pies, and their shepherd’s pie is a favourite. This frozen pie is made with tender lamb, vibrant peas, sweet corn and delicate pearl onions meant to be cooked at home for a quick dinner or unexpected guests.

Limerick’s Traditional Public House
Limerick’s offers a hearty Cottage Pie for $19.50. It features slow-cooked, hand-pulled brisket in a rich red wine gravy, topped with creamy whipped potato and braised red cabbage.

Schooners Neighbourhood Pub
Schooners is a popular neighbourhood pub in the southwest and their shepherd’s pie makes a perfect week night dinner. The pie is made with a mixture of ground beef, green peas, carrots and corn topped with herb cream cheese mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese.

Grumans Deli & Catering
Grumans, a Montreal style deli, serves up the classics. You can find their shepherd’s pie in the freezer section in both individual and family sized servings. For something a little different, their pie is a potato crust stuffed with Montreal smoked meat, carrots, onions and corn.

Simple Simon Pies
Simple Simon Pies has been in the city for years and is known for their handmade sweet and savoury pies. Their shepherd’s pie is filled with carrots and onions and your choice of chicken or beef. Each pie is topped with seasoned mashed potatoes. They even have a gluten-free version of their chicken shepherd’s pie.

The Garrison Pub & Eatery
Head south to The Garrison for their version of shepherd’s pie made with house ground beef in a mixture of vegetables and pan gravy topped with mashed potatoes. Perfect paired with a pint.

Lazy Loaf & Kettle
Lazy Loaf & Kettle serves up a comforting gluten-free shepherd’s pie that’s packed with flavour. Made with hearty ingredients and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a satisfying option for those looking for a gluten-free meal in Calgary.

James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant
James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant serves up a classic Shepherd’s Pie, staying true to its Irish roots. Made with tender ground lamb and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a comforting, hearty dish that pairs perfectly with a pint.