French Canadian Tourtiere Recipe

Discover the heartwarming tradition of French Canadian Tourtière! This savory meat pie recipe, passed down through generations since the 1600s, is a Christmas Eve staple. Our family recipe features a rich, flavorful filling, perfectly encased in a flaky crust. Serve it with rich beef gravy and petite pois for an unforgettable holiday meal. This recipe is almost as varied as the French Canadians themselves, so get ready to experience a true taste of Quebec!

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Calories 564 kcal
Protein 44g
Rating Be the first
French Canadian Tourtiere 48

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for French Canadian Tourtiere

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How to Make French Canadian Tourtiere

  1. In a large saucepan, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1 large onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried sage, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the meat loses its pink color (about 10-15 minutes).
  3. Continue to simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in 1 cup of mashed potatoes.
  5. Allow the filling to cool completely for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  7. Pour the cooled filling into an unbaked 9-inch pie crust.
  8. Top with a second pie crust, crimping the edges to seal.
  9. Cut a small hole (about dime-sized) in the center of the top crust to allow steam to escape.
  10. Brush the top crust with 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tbsp milk (optional).
  11. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
  12. Let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving with beef gravy and petite pois. For make-ahead convenience, bake until the top is lightly browned, cool completely, and freeze. Reheat at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes before serving.
  13. Enjoy this festive and flavourful piece of Quebec history!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

41 g

Sugar

5g

Fat

51g

Carbs

13g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make French Canadian Tourtiere?

French Canadian Tourtiere takes about 115 minutes from start to finish — roughly 60 minutes to prepare and 55 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in French Canadian Tourtiere?

French Canadian Tourtiere has approximately 564 calories per serving, with about 44 g protein, 13 g carbohydrates and 52 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for French Canadian Tourtiere?

The key ingredients for French Canadian Tourtiere are Ground Pork, Ground Beef, Chicken Stock, Garlic Clove, Salt, Black Pepper. See the full list with measurements above.

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