Tourtiere(Quebec Meat Filled Pie)
A hearty Quebec meat pie featuring savory ground pork and beef, seasoned with spices and herbs, encased in flaky pastry — perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. coarsely ground pork ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crumbed dry thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried mustard ⓘ
- 1 cup reserved potato water ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 lb. coarsely ground beef ⓘ
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. ground mace or nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. crumbed dry sage
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 2 medium cooked and chopped potatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the ground pork and beef until they crumble and begin to brown.
- Add minced onions, garlic, salt, thyme, dried mustard, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add potato water and bring to a boil uncovered.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour until liquid is absorbed, stirring often.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped cooked potatoes and eggs.
- Mix until well combined and chill thoroughly.
- Fill two pastry-lined pie plates with the mixture.
- Top with pastry and seal the edges.
- Make several slashes in the top to let out steam.
- Bake at 450°F in the lower third of the oven for 10 minutes.
- Lower the oven temperature to 350°F and bake until the crust is brown.
- Cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, pre-made pie crusts can be a convenient substitute for homemade. Additionally, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork or beef for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve tourtière warm, accompanied by a side of pickles or a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Glazed Shallots With Port Wine, adding a sweet and savory touch. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tourtière can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tourtiere(Quebec Meat Filled Pie) contains roughly 422 calories, with 24g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron.
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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the pie just before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months; just bake it directly from the freezer, adding extra time to the cooking process.
What types of meat can I use in tourtière?
While the classic tourtière includes pork and beef, you can experiment with other meats like turkey, chicken, or even venison for a unique twist. Just ensure that the meat is coarsely ground for the best texture.
Can I make a vegetarian version of tourtière?
Absolutely! You can replace the meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, and finely chopped vegetables. Seasoning is key, so be generous with herbs and spices to ensure it’s flavorful. Consider adding cooked quinoa for a hearty texture.
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).