This post may contain affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full Disclosure Policy for details.
This traditional Canadian Meat Pie combines ground meat, onions, savory spices and is baked in a from-scratch pie crust.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItFrench-Canadian Meat Pie Recipe
French-Canadian Meat Pie, aka “Tourtiere,” is a regional dish enjoyed throughout Canada and even in New England in the United States. A combination of ground meats (in this case, beef and pork) is mixed with onions, a blend of savory seasonings, and baked in the flakiest from-scratch pie crust ever. It is a dish you really need to try if you haven’t!
This is definitely a winter meal. Typically, it is eaten on Christmas Eve. The flavor suits the season well – it tastes savory and Christmasy. I don’t know if that is a thing, but I’m making it a thing. I personally think it would be out of place to eat this in the middle of the summer – but feel free to do it if you’re so inclined. No judgment here.
As you can tell, I’m not a pie crust maker … even though my pie crust edges look less than perfect, the flavor and flakiness are worth it! One of these days, I’ll figure out how to make the edges look better. 😉
Let me show you how it’s done …
Recipe for Canadian Meat Pie
Ingredients for the crust
- all-purpose flour
- salt
- shortening
- large egg
- cold water
- milk
Ingredients for the filling
- ground beef
- ground pork
- onion
- garlic
- water
- salt
- rubbed sage
- dried thyme
- ground allspice
- black pepper
- ground cloves
How to make French-Canadian Meat Pie
Time needed: 1 hour and 20 minutes
How to make French-Canadian Meat Pie
- Prepare pie crust.
In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and water – toss lightly with a fork until the dough forms a ball. Divide the dough in half. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Cook filling.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the beef, pork, onion and garlic until the meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the remaining ingredients and cook and stir until the water has evaporated. Set aside.
- Roll out dough and fill crust.
On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough, Line a 9-inch pie plate with dough. Spoon the meat mixture into the crust. Roll out the remaining dough to fit the top of the pie. Place over the filling. Seal and flute edges. Brush the dough with milk. Cut slits in the top.
- Bake.
Bake at 375° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. (If the edges brown too fast, cover them loosely with foil.) Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving.
Recipe Note
You can save time and use a pre-made crust. However, if you have the time, I suggest making this pie crust from scratch! It is so flaky and delicious – you won’t regret it!
Canadian Meat Pie: FAQs
You can save time and use a pre-made crust. However, if you have the time, I suggest making this pie crust from scratch! It is so flaky and delicious – you won’t regret it!
Yes! You have two options:
1. You can make the filling and pie crust separately and wrap them individually. Refrigerate up to three days. When you are ready to assemble the pie, proceed with rolling out the pie crust, filling, and baking.
2. You can assemble the pie completely, wrap it in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil, then freeze it for up to one month. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 20-25 minutes to the cooking time.
Typically we serve this with a side salad or a cabbage slaw. I have heard people serve sweet gherkins, bread and butter pickles, or even pickled beets, too. Any vegetable would be a good option, also.
How did you like this recipe
Isn’t this recipe so delish? It’s a regular in our house sometime during the week of Christmas. I hope your crew enjoyed it as much as mine does. Let me know down in the comments what your thoughts and feedback are – I love hearing from you!
Other recipes you may enjoy
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Canadian Meat Pie
Would you like to save this?
We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Equipment
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup shortening
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 – 3 tablespoons cold water
- Milk
For the filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon rubbed sage
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and water – toss lightly with a fork until the dough forms a ball. Divide the dough in half. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the beef, pork, onion, and garlic until the meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the remaining ingredients and cook and stir until the water has evaporated. Set aside.
- On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough, Line a 9-inch pie plate with dough. Spoon the meat mixture into the crust. Roll out the remaining dough to fit the top of the pie. Place over the filling. Seal and flute edges. Brush the dough with milk. Cut slits in the top.
- Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. (If the edges brown too fast, cover them loosely with foil.) Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can save time and use a pre-made crust. However, if you have the time, I suggest making this pie crust from scratch! It is so flaky and delicious – you won’t regret it!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Orignally published on January 2, 2013. Updated on November 28, 2020.
I think your pie looks great. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday.
PS. Dont forget to LINK your recipe back to http://www.foodiefriendsfriday.com
Your co host from Nosh My Way,
Marlene
Made this today and it came up well. Thanks a lot for the recipe.
is this the same as a tourtiere pie
I believe it is very similar. I'm not positive if it is the same thing?
my son made this in cooking class in school…he was so delighted to make a meat pie!!! your recipe is yummy!
This is just the hearty pie, we want, in this weather. Yours is so tempting, Jamie, I just might find time to make it.
I have not forgotten you and hope to start linking up with lots of recipes, soon.
Love your blog! I would love for you to visit my linky party going on now at http://wallisfarmsdailywalk.blogspot.com/2013/01/blog-post.html
Have a great day!
Sounds yummy! Will have to make this for our group sometime.
Ha good job on the pie, your crust looks very nice and flaky; I am Canadian and have yet to make a Tourtiere Pie, although it has been on my mind to do so many times over the years.
I did not see this in my reader this morning ? Lucky for me I caught it on Facebook, you know how much I like savory / meaty pies and this looks great!
Thats dinner for tonight sorted! Kids will lap this up and it is cheaper that a steak pie for sure – thank you, great recipe!! Happy New year ! X