Tourtière is a classic French-Canadian meat pie, known for its savory, spiced beef filling and flaky golden crust. This Quebec-style beef tourtière is rich, comforting, and bursting with warm spices like cinnamon and thyme. It’s traditionally served with ketchup, which balances the flavors beautifully.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a cozy family dinner, or simply to experience a taste of Quebec, this simple and delicious recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
For the Pie:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Serving:
- Ketchup (for dipping)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook the Beef: Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Season & Simmer: Stir in thyme, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Crust: Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Fill the Pie: Spoon the beef mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Cover & Seal: Place the second pie crust over the filling. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork or crimping with your fingers.
- Cut Steam Vents: Make a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Egg Wash: Brush the beaten egg over the top crust for a golden, glossy finish.
Step 3: Bake & Serve
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Let the pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Enjoy with ketchup for dipping—a Quebec tradition!
Cooking Notes
- Use Homemade Pie Crust: If you have time, making a buttery, flaky crust from scratch will elevate the dish.
- Substituting Meats: Traditional tourtière can be made with ground pork, veal, or a combination of meats.
- Make It Extra Flavorful: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cloves for depth.
- Thicker Filling: If you like a firmer filling, mix in ½ cup mashed potatoes before assembling the pie.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve with ketchup for an authentic Quebec-style experience.
- Fancy Upgrade: Swap ketchup for cranberry sauce or chili jam for a gourmet twist.
- Side Dishes: Pair with roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the pie ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap the unbaked pie in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Leftovers? No Problem! Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
Conclusion
This Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière is a cozy, comforting, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or meal prep. The warm spices, flaky crust, and savory beef filling make it a true French-Canadian classic.
Print
Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière with Ketchup Dressing
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pie:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For Serving:
- Ketchup (for dipping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (3-4 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Cook the Beef: Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Season & Simmer: Stir in thyme, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Crust: Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Fill the Pie: Spoon the beef mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Cover & Seal: Place the second pie crust over the filling. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork or crimping with your fingers.
- Cut Steam Vents: Make a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Egg Wash: Brush the beaten egg over the top crust for a golden, glossy finish.
Step 3: Bake & Serve
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Let the pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Enjoy with ketchup for dipping—a Quebec tradition!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 21g