Tourtiere(French-Canadian Meat Pie)
A comforting French‑Canadian meat pie with savory beef, pork, and allspice, crowned by a golden double crust—perfect for family gatherings or a hearty winter meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute sliced onion in cooking oil until tender.
- Remove onion from pan and set aside.
- Brown ground beef and pork together; drain excess fat.
- Combine browned meat, mashed potatoes, allspice, pepper, and salt.
- Line a 9‑inch pie plate with pastry crust.
- Fill crust with the meat mixture.
- Top with the second crust and seal edges.
- Make slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top with beaten egg if desired for a glossy finish.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider adding minced garlic or herbs like thyme and sage to the meat mixture. You can substitute the mashed potatoes with sweet potatoes for a twist. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use lentils instead of meat. Make sure to seal the edges of the crust well to prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve tourtière warm with a side of tangy cranberry sauce or apple chutney to complement the savory meat. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pairs nicely, adding a fresh element to the meal. For an extra hearty option, consider serving it alongside a bowl of Super Vegetable Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tourtière in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option, but the crust may not stay as crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tourtiere(French-Canadian Meat Pie) contains roughly 805 calories, with 17g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 856mg per serving (37% 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 freeze tourtière?
Yes, you can freeze tourtière before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake, simply remove it from the freezer and bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed. If already baked, cool completely before freezing, then reheat in the oven for the best results.
What kind of pastry should I use for the crust?
A traditional pie pastry works best for this dish, but you can also use store-bought pie crusts for convenience. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free pie crust mix, ensuring to follow package instructions for the best results.
Can I add other meats to the filling?
Absolutely! While the classic recipe uses ground beef and pork, you can customize the filling by adding ground turkey, chicken, or even a mixture of other game meats for a unique flavor. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as needed to complement the different meats.
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).