Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as cozy as a winter blanket and packed with comforting, hearty flavors, then Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière is your answer. This traditional French-Canadian meat pie is perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve something hearty, satisfying, and full of love. It features a savory filling of spiced beef, vegetables, and a flaky, buttery crust that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, the smell while it bakes? Pure magic. Trust me, this one’s a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière

• Hearty and Satisfying: The rich, flavorful beef filling and buttery crust create a comfort food experience like no other.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday or a family dinner, this tourtière will make the meal feel extra special.
• Flavorful Spices: The seasoning mix, including cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, adds a unique depth of flavor that’s warming and aromatic.
• Great for Leftovers: Like most pies, this dish tastes even better the next day! It’s perfect for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.
• Impressive Yet Easy: It looks like a dish that took hours to prepare, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. You’ll impress your guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For this Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, but the magic happens when they come together into a deliciously spiced filling and buttery crust.

For the Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough, giving it structure and a flaky texture.
• Butter: The secret to a perfect, flaky crust. Cold butter is key to getting that light, airy texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to bring out the flavor of the dough.
• Cold Water: Used to bring the dough together, ensuring it doesn’t get too sticky.

For the Filling:

• Ground Beef: The heart of the filling. Ground beef gives the pie its hearty, satisfying flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the savory filling.
• Garlic: A bit of minced garlic brings extra flavor to the pie.
• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are added to the filling to give it a smooth, creamy texture and a touch of richness.
• Spices: Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, and black pepper bring the distinct, warm flavor profile that’s signature to Quebec-style tourtière.
• Beef Broth: A little beef broth adds moisture and richness to the filling.
• Egg: For brushing on the crust to give it that golden, shiny finish.

Instructions

Making Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière is easier than you might think, and the results are so worth it. Here’s how to put it all together:

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times to bring it together. Divide the dough in half, shape it into discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough chills, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Spices

Stir in the mashed potatoes, beef broth, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme. Season with black pepper and salt to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool for a bit.

Step 4: Assemble the Tourtière

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the dough into the dish, and spoon the beef filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it on top of the pie. Pinch the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal the pie. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Step 5: Bake

Brush the top crust with a beaten egg to give it that beautiful golden color. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits.

Step 6: Let It Cool and Serve

Let the tourtière cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy the comforting, flavorful goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories (without sides)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 1 hour (including chilling the dough)
Cook Time: 1 hour (includes baking)
Total Time: 2 hours

How to Serve Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the pie.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts make a perfect side dish for this hearty pie.
• Gravy: For an extra indulgent touch, serve with some rich brown gravy or a creamy mushroom sauce on the side.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: This pie can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. You can also freeze it before baking, then bake it directly from the freezer (just add extra baking time).
• Customize the Filling: If you like, you can mix in ground pork or veal with the beef for a more traditional mix.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to add peas, carrots, or celery to the filling for a more veggie-packed pie.
• Top with Herbs: For a bit of freshness, sprinkle some fresh parsley or thyme over the pie after baking.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought pie crust?
A1: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pie crusts work just fine. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package.

Q2: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the filling a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just cool it completely before assembling the pie.

Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into a preheated oven and bake until golden and cooked through.

Q4: Can I add other meats to the filling?
A4: Yes, it’s traditional to use a mix of beef and pork for a more complex flavor. Feel free to use whatever combination you prefer.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: To reheat, cover the pie with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Q6: Can I use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A6: Sure! Sweet potatoes will give the filling a slight sweetness, which can be a delicious twist on this classic dish.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftover tourtière in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q8: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A8: Yes! You can replace the meat with lentils or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version of tourtière.

Q9: What kind of beef should I use for this recipe?
A9: Ground beef with about 15% fat content works best for this recipe as it provides enough flavor and richness without being too greasy.

Q10: Can I serve this dish with a sauce?
A10: Yes! A simple brown gravy or even a rich tomato sauce can be served alongside to enhance the flavors of the tourtière.

Conclusion

Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière is a true celebration of comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this pie will leave everyone feeling full and content. With its perfectly spiced beef filling and flaky, golden crust, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the warmth, the flavor, and the wonderful aroma as this dish fills your home with the essence of classic French-Canadian cuisine. Bon appétit!

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