Savor the Savory: Best French Meat Pie Recipe

Transport your taste buds to the charming streets of France with our Best French Meat Pie recipe! Also known as Tourtière, this classic French-Canadian dish is a savory delight that combines flavorful ground beef and pork with aromatic spices, all wrapped in a flaky pie crust. Whether served as a hearty main course for holiday gatherings or enjoyed as a cozy comfort food on chilly evenings, this meat pie is sure to become a family favorite. So, let’s embark on a culinary journey and discover how to create this delectable French-inspired dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 ounces ground pork
• 1⁄2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 2 large potatoes, peeled, cut into quarters
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon allspice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 double crust pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
2. In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the ground beef and ground pork over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
5. Add the mashed potatoes to the skillet with the cooked meat and onion mixture. Stir in the salt, allspice, cloves, and pepper, mixing until well combined.
6. Roll out one of the pie crusts and line the bottom of the greased pie dish with it.
7. Spoon the meat and potato filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
8. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges of the pie crusts together to seal the pie.
9. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
10. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
11. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Enhance with Herbs: Add extra flavor to your French Meat Pie by incorporating fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage into the filling mixture. These aromatic herbs complement the savory meat and add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
• Experiment with Fillings: Get creative with your meat pie filling by adding other ingredients such as diced carrots, peas, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. You can also swap out the ground beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Make It Mini: For a fun and portable twist, make individual-sized meat pies by using small pie dishes or ramekins. Simply divide the filling and pie crust into smaller portions and assemble them in the individual dishes before baking.
• Serve with Accompaniments: Elevate your French Meat Pie experience by serving it with traditional accompaniments such as gravy, cranberry sauce, or a crisp green salad. These side dishes complement the richness of the pie and add variety to your meal.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of this meat pie, omit the potatoes and use a low-carb pie crust made with almond flour or coconut flour. Increase the amount of ground beef and pork to make up for the omitted potatoes and add extra spices and seasoning for flavor.
• Low-Carb Twist: Reduce the amount of potatoes in the filling or substitute them with low-carb alternatives such as cauliflower or turnips. You can also use a nut-based crust or a combination of almond flour and flaxseed meal for a low-carb pie crust option.

In conclusion, our Best French Meat Pie is a timeless classic that brings warmth and flavor to any mealtime. With its savory filling, fragrant spices, and flaky pie crust, each bite is a delicious reminder of the culinary delights of France. Whether enjoyed as a comforting family dinner or a festive holiday feast, this meat pie is sure to impress with its rustic charm and irresistible taste. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of France with this delightful dish!