If you’ve ever wished to cozy up with a dish bursting with history, warmth, and irresistible flavor, then the Tourtière: Traditional French-Canadian Meat Pie Recipe is your new best friend. This pie, rich with a perfectly seasoned blend of pork and beef, accented by fragrant spices and creamy mashed potatoes, carries the soul of French-Canadian holiday tables right to your kitchen. Each slice embraces you like a hug from an old friend, making this a must-try for anyone craving comfort food with authentic roots and a story in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Tourtière lies in its simplicity and balance of ingredients, each chosen to create the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From savory meats to aromatic spices, every component plays a vital role in crafting this beloved meat pie.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly browning the meat and softening the aromatics without overpowering flavors.
- 1 pound ground pork: Adds a juicy richness integral to a traditional filling.
- 1/2 pound ground beef: Offers a hearty base and depth to the savory taste.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Brings natural sweetness and moisture to keep the filling succulent.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts a subtle kick that enhances the savory blend.
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed: Provide creaminess and help bind the filling together seamlessly.
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth: Keeps the filling moist and infused with extra savory notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds earthy, herbaceous warmth essential in traditional recipes.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces a subtle sweetness and perfume to the mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Offers a hint of spice that deepens the flavor complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice: Rounds out the seasoning with a gentle pungency.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the ingredients perfectly without overwhelming.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Lifts the flavor with its mild heat.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant note and pleasant color contrast.
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought): Provide a flaky, buttery shell to encase the filling beautifully.
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash: Ensures a golden, glossy finish on the crust.
How to Make Tourtière: Traditional French-Canadian Meat Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the filling
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork, ground beef, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook these together until the meat browns completely and the onions turn soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. This initial step releases the precious base flavors that make the filling so rich and comforting.
Step 2: Combine the filling ingredients
Once the meat mixture is ready, stir in your creamy mashed potatoes and broth. Then add the trail of warm spices: dried thyme, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice along with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Keep cooking gently for about 5 minutes, stirring often, to let all those gorgeous spices marry and the mixture thicken slightly. This is where the filling transforms into something truly unforgettable.
Step 3: Assemble the pie
Fit one pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, making sure it’s snug. Spoon the warm filling into the crust, spreading it evenly to the edges. Then carefully cover with the second crust, trimming any excess dough and crimping the edges to seal in the goodness. Don’t forget to cut small slits on top so steam can escape during baking — this step is essential for a perfect crust.
Step 4: Bake to golden perfection
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash to give it that gorgeous golden gleam. Pop the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, until the crust is beautifully browned and crisp. After baking, let the pie rest for 10 minutes — this pause allows the filling to settle perfectly for the best slicing experience.
How to Serve Tourtière: Traditional French-Canadian Meat Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Tourtière is fantastic served with a simple garnish of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added visual appeal and a pop of freshness. Many love pairing it with a dollop of ketchup or tangy cranberry chutney to balance the savory richness with a touch of sweetness.
Side Dishes
To complete your meal, serve your tourtière alongside crisp, fresh salads or a medley of roasted vegetables. Traditional accompaniments like mashed root vegetables or a light coleslaw also highlight the pie’s spicy warmth and comforting texture beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, consider making mini tourtière pies in individual ramekins or muffin tins — it’s perfect for parties or a fun family dinner. You can also slice the pie and serve it open-faced with a drizzle of gravy or a warm mushroom sauce for a decadent presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover tourtière keeps beautifully when refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next day’s slice even more delicious.
Freezing
This meat pie freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer, where it can last up to 2 months. For convenience, you can also freeze individual slices for easy reheating later.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked taste, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and the filling hot without drying it out, unlike microwaving.
FAQs
What meat is traditionally used in Tourtière?
Traditionally, Tourtière uses a combination of ground pork and beef, which balances flavor and texture perfectly. Some regional variations may include other meats, but this blend remains classic.
Can I make Tourtière vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the meats with a savory mixture of mushrooms, lentils, and finely chopped vegetables to mimic the texture and maintain the spices that define the dish.
Is Tourtière typically served hot or cold?
Tourtière is best enjoyed hot or warm to fully appreciate the flaky crust and rich filling. However, some enjoy it cold, especially in sandwiches or as leftovers.
What spices are essential in Tourtière: Traditional French-Canadian Meat Pie Recipe?
The key spices include cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and thyme. Together, they create the signature warm and slightly sweet aroma that sets this meat pie apart from others.
Can I use store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Yes, using store-bought pie crust works perfectly and saves time. Just choose a high-quality crust for the best texture and flavor to complement the filling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Tourtière: Traditional French-Canadian Meat Pie Recipe — it brings culture, comfort, and a burst of deliciousness to any table. Whether it’s a festive occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe invites you to savor every moment and every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and create your own warm memories around this classic dish.
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Tourtière: Traditional French-Canadian Meat Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-Canadian
Description
Tourtière is a traditional French-Canadian meat pie featuring a savory blend of ground pork and beef, seasoned with warming spices and herbs, enclosed in a flaky double crust. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this hearty dish is a festive favorite during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, offering comfort and rich, satisfying flavors in every slice.
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Pie Crust and Finish
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the pie evenly.
- Cook Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground pork, ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 8 minutes until the meat is browned and the onion softens, stirring occasionally.
- Add Potatoes and Spices: Stir in the mashed potatoes, broth, dried thyme, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine and thicken the mixture. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Fit one pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, pressing gently to form the base.
- Assemble Pie: Spoon the meat and potato filling evenly into the crust-lined pie plate.
- Top and Seal Crust: Place the second pie crust over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges together to seal the pie securely. Cut small slits into the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the entire top crust with the beaten egg wash to give the crust a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the pie to rest for 10 minutes after baking before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Tourtière is traditionally enjoyed during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in French-Canadian homes.
- This pie pairs wonderfully with ketchup, cranberry chutney, or a fresh side salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
