French Meat Pie(Tourtiere)
A savory French meat pie bursting with pork, beef, onion, and warm spices—ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering a comforting blend of hearty meat and aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Have the butcher grind the pork and beef together, passing it through twice so it is well blended.
- Finely chop the medium onion.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, chopped onion, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Roll out the double crust pie dough and line a 9-inch pie pan with one crust.
- Fill the crust with the seasoned meat mixture, smoothing the top.
- Place the second crust on top, sealing the edges and cutting slits for steam to escape.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
- Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating minced garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the meat mixture. If ground pork isn't available, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken. Additionally, use a store-bought pie crust for convenience, or make a homemade version if you prefer. Make sure to let the pie rest after baking to allow the filling to set properly.
Serving Suggestions
Tourtière is traditionally served with a side of ketchup or a tangy condiment. Pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It also goes well with a warm bowl of onion soup or a hearty salad. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside beef recipes like Hungarian Goulash.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tourtière can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the pie before baking; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Meat Pie(Tourtiere) contains roughly 1880 calories, with 82g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (163% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (162% of the Daily Value), and iron (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1000mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make tourtière in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the pie and bake it when you're ready. You can also freeze the assembled pie before baking for up to 2 months. Just remember to adjust the baking time if baking from frozen.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you prefer a different meat, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef. This will create a lighter pie while still maintaining a delicious flavor. You could also experiment with ground lamb for a unique twist.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The tourtière is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You can insert a meat thermometer into the center; it should read 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).