Pate Au Chinois
A hearty and comforting layered meat and potato dish with sweet corn, perfect for family dinners and versatile enough to suit various tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Pare and cook chopped potatoes in water for 20 minutes; mash with a little milk and salt to taste.
- Put aside the mashed potatoes.
- Brown the hamburger in a 10-inch skillet; drain off excess fat.
- In a 2-quart casserole pan, layer the browned hamburger, then the cream-style corn, then the mashed potatoes.
- Bake in the oven until bubbly and the potatoes are lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, add a bit more milk to the mashed potatoes or incorporate sour cream. If you want to spice things up, consider adding garlic powder or onion to the hamburger while browning. You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use a mix of meats for added flavor. This dish is a great way to use leftovers as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pate Au Chinois hot from the oven, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting experience, serve with crusty bread or biscuits on the side. This dish echoes the heartiness found in classic American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pate Au Chinois contains roughly 690 calories, with 11g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (50% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen mashed potatoes to save time. Just follow the package instructions for preparation. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but the overall dish will still be delicious.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger with a plant-based alternative like lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute product. You can also enhance the flavor with sautéed mushrooms and additional spices.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the layers in the casserole dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to avoid drying out. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).