Easy French Canadian Meat Pie: No-Chill Dough Recipe!

The French Canadian Meat Pie has deep roots in Quebecois culture, where it’s often served during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Known as tourtière, this dish dates back to the early settlers of Quebec, who combined local ingredients with French culinary traditions. The name tourtière is believed to come from the tourte, a type of bird that was originally used in the filling. Over time, the recipe evolved to include ground meats like pork, beef, or veal, along with a blend of warming spices.

Today, French Canadian Meat Pie is a beloved comfort food that’s enjoyed year-round, not just during the holidays. It’s a dish that brings families together, evoking memories of shared meals and cherished traditions.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Optional: ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese (for a cheesy twist)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and set aside. (No need to chill!)

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Stir in the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom. Add the beef broth, breadcrumbs, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Mashed Potatoes

• Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. For extra richness, stir in the grated cheddar cheese (optional).
• Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the mashed potatoes. Trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Roll out one disc of dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.

Spoon the cooled meat filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.

Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat filling in an even layer.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Remove from the oven and let the pie cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

You Can Also Try :
Perfect and Savory Ham Balls Recipe
Rick Nolan Hotdish Recipe

Expert Tips and FAQs

Tips for Success

• Keep the Butter Cold: For a flaky crust, make sure your butter is cold and work quickly to prevent it from softening.
• Let the Filling Cool: Allow the meat filling to cool slightly before adding it to the crust. This prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
• Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes (line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans) before adding the filling.
• Add Moisture: If the filling seems dry, add a splash more beef broth or a tablespoon of tomato paste for extra richness.
• Golden Crust: Brush the top crust with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) for a shiny, golden finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make French Canadian Meat Pie ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the pie up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes before serving.

Q: Can I freeze French Canadian Meat Pie?
A: Yes! Assemble the pie but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: What can I use instead of ground beef?
A: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well. Adjust the seasoning to suit the substitute.

Q: My crust is too dry. What did I do wrong?
A: This usually happens if the dough is overworked or not enough water is added. Be gentle when mixing, and add water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and gluten-free breadcrumbs in the filling. Ensure all other ingredients (like Worcestershire sauce) are gluten-free.

You Can Also Try :
Chill Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
Lemon Blueberry Gooey Butter Cake

Serving Suggestions

This French Canadian Meat Pie is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic holiday meal, serve it with tangy ketchup, cranberry sauce, or a crisp green salad. If you’re looking for something heartier, try pairing it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a warm bowl of soup.

For a festive touch, garnish the pie with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before serving. And don’t forget a glass of red wine or a cold beer to complement the rich, savory flavors of the pie.

A Perfect Holiday Tradition

This French Canadian Meat Pie is more than just a recipe—it’s a tradition that brings people together. Whether you’re serving it at Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a casual family dinner, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite. Don’t forget to share your experience with us! Leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out, rate the recipe if you loved it, or snap a photo of your masterpiece and tag us on social media. We can’t wait to see your creations and hear your stories. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of your French Canadian Meat Pie!

Classic French Canadian Meat Pie: A Flaky, Savory Holiday Tradition

This French Canadian Meat Pie is a comforting, savory dish perfect for holidays or family dinners. Featuring a flaky, no-chill crust and a rich, spiced beef filling, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress. Serve it warm with cranberry sauce or a crisp salad for a meal that brings everyone together

4.84 from 6 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

10-15 minutes 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine canadian, French

Ingredients

  

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ½ cups 315g all-purpose flour
• 1 cup 225g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ pounds 680g ground beef
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup 120ml beef broth
• ½ cup 50g breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 large potatoes peeled and cubed

Instructions

 

• Make the Pie Crust
• Combine flour and salt in a bowl.
• Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
• Add ice water, mix until dough forms, and divide into two discs.
• Prepare the Filling
• Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain fat.
• Add onion, garlic, spices, and cook until fragrant.
• Stir in beef broth, breadcrumbs, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.
• Make the Mashed Potatoes
• Boil peeled potatoes until tender.
• Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• Assemble the Pie
• Roll out one dough disc and line a 9-inch pie dish.
• Add the meat filling, then spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
• Roll out the second dough disc, place it over the filling, and crimp the edges. Cut steam vents.
• Bake the Pie
• Brush the crust with egg wash.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
• Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Keyword French Canadian Meat Pie, Meat Pie