Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière: A Cozy Culinary Hug
Let’s dive into the heartwarming world of Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière! This savory pie is like a warm hug on a chilly day, filled with seasoned ground beef, aromatic spices, and a hint of nutmeg, all wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. You won’t miss the traditional ingredients, as we’re swapping out pork and wine for delicious alternatives that keep the flavors rich and comforting. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Ready to savor every bite?
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love the savory blend of spices!
- This one’s a game-changer for cozy family dinners.
- It’s a hearty dish that warms you from the inside out.
- Perfect for meal prep; freeze leftovers for a rainy day!
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up anytime.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – a hearty base for the filling, providing rich flavor.
- Onion – adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- Garlic – enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.
- Potato – helps to bind the filling and adds creaminess.
- Carrot – brings a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
- Thyme – infuses the filling with a fragrant herbal note.
- Nutmeg – adds warmth and a hint of spice, characteristic of traditional tourtière.
- Black Pepper – provides a subtle kick to balance the flavors.
- Beef Broth – keeps the filling moist and enhances the beefy taste.
- Puff Pastry – creates a flaky, buttery crust that encases the delicious filling.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 1 cup of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 6-8 tablespoons of ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add 1/2 cup of beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Tourtière
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Place it in the dish and fill with the beef mixture. Roll out the second disc and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork. Cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape.
Step 4: Bake the Tourtière
Brush the top crust with an egg wash made from 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Slice your delicious Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière and serve warm. Enjoy with a side of your favorite pickles or a fresh salad!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a mix of ground beef and ground turkey for a leaner filling without sacrificing flavor.
- Chill your dough before rolling it out; this helps achieve a flaky crust.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a warm, aromatic touch.
- Let the tourtière rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to set the filling.
- Serve with a side of homemade apple sauce for a delightful sweet contrast.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a dollop of tangy apple sauce on the side.
- Pair with a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
- Enjoy with a side of roasted root vegetables for a hearty meal.
- Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Accompany with crusty bread to soak up every bite.
- For a twist, serve with a side of spicy mustard for an extra kick.
- Offer a selection of pickles for a crunchy contrast.
- Enjoy with a warm bowl of vegetable soup for a cozy combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your tourtière fresh:
- Allow it to cool completely before storing.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place it in an airtight container for added protection.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For long-term storage:
- Wrap the cooled tourtière in plastic wrap.
- Then wrap it in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your tourtière again:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove foil for the last 5 minutes for a crispy crust.
FAQs
What is the best way to store leftover tourtière?
Leftover Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices or the whole pie. Just remember to let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing!
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for beef in your tourtière. They will provide a lighter flavor while still being delicious. Just be sure to season them well to enhance the taste, as poultry can be milder than beef.
How can I make the crust flaky and tender?
To achieve a flaky and tender crust, use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible. Incorporating cold water gradually helps create layers. Chilling the dough before rolling it out also contributes to that perfect flaky texture!
What spices can I use to enhance the flavor?
For a flavorful Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière, consider using spices like nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. These warm spices add depth to the filling. You can also include fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra layer of flavor!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your very own Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with loved ones. So roll up your sleeves, savor the delightful aromas, and enjoy every bite of this comforting classic. You’ll find that making it is as rewarding as indulging in it. Bon appétit, my friend!
Hungry for more delicious creations? Browse our site for more recipes and endless inspiration to spark your next culinary adventure
Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière
Equipment
- 1 large bowl For mixing the dough.
- 1 skillet For cooking the filling.
- 1 pie dish To hold the assembled tourtière.
- 1 Rolling Pin For rolling out the dough.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound Ground Beef A hearty base for the filling, providing rich flavor.
- 1 medium Onion Adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture.
- 2 cloves Garlic Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.
- 1 medium Potato Helps to bind the filling and adds creaminess.
- 1 medium Carrot Brings a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Thyme Infuses the filling with a fragrant herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon Nutmeg Adds warmth and a hint of spice, characteristic of traditional tourtière.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Provides a subtle kick to balance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup Beef Broth Keeps the filling moist and enhances the beefy taste.
Crust
- 2 cups All-purpose Flour For the dough.
- 1 teaspoon Salt For flavoring the dough.
- 1 cup Cold Unsalted Butter For a flaky crust.
- 6-8 tablespoons Ice Water To bring the dough together.
- 1 beaten egg Egg Wash For brushing the top crust.
- 1 tablespoon Water To mix with the beaten egg for the egg wash.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cut in 1 cup of cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 6-8 tablespoons of ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Cook the Filling
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add 1/2 cup of beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Tourtière
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Place it in the dish and fill with the beef mixture. Roll out the second disc and place it over the filling. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork. Cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape.
Bake the Tourtière
- Brush the top crust with an egg wash made from 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve and Enjoy
- Slice your delicious Quebec-Style Beef Tourtière and serve warm. Enjoy with a side of your favorite pickles or a fresh salad!
