Easy French Meat Pie Recipe. Also known as “Tourtière,” this savory dish is a beloved classic, cherished for its rich, aromatic filling encased in a flaky, golden crust. Whether enjoyed as a comforting family meal or served as the centerpiece of a festive gathering, this timeless recipe captures the essence of French culinary tradition. Prepare to savor every bite of this hearty and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love Easy French Meat Pie Recipe:
- Hearty & Comforting: Filled with a savory blend of meats and spices, perfect for warming up on chilly days.
- Timeless Tradition: Embrace the culinary heritage of France with this authentic and beloved recipe.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for any occasion, from casual dinners to special celebrations.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare in advance and bake when ready, making it convenient for busy schedules.
Personal Story: Growing up in a French household, Tourtière was a cherished part of our holiday celebrations and family gatherings. The aroma of savory spices and tender meat filling the kitchen was always a sign that something delicious was about to be served. It’s a dish that brings back fond memories of cozy dinners with loved ones and festive occasions filled with laughter and joy. Now, I’m thrilled to share this cherished recipe with you, so you too can experience the warmth and flavor of French cuisine.
Key Features:
- Authentic French flavors
- Rich and savory meat filling
- Buttery, flaky pastry crust
- The perfect balance of herbs and spices
What I need to make Easy French Meat Pie Recipe
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How I Can Make Easy French Meat Pie Recipe
- To prepare the crust, combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground pork and ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Stir in the ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, salt, and pepper, mixing well to incorporate the spices.
- Pour in the beef or chicken broth and breadcrumbs, stirring to combine. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the filling is thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out half of the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Line the pie dish with the rolled-out dough.
- Spoon the cooled meat filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the top crust with beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake the French meat pie in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy hot or at room temperature.
Cooking Tips For Easy French Meat Pie Recipe:
- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought pie crust dough instead of making it from scratch.
- Make sure to let the filling cool slightly before assembling the pie to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Serve the meat pie with a side of cranberry sauce or mustard for extra flavor.
Variations For Easy French Meat Pie Recipe:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with a mix of cooked lentils, mushrooms, and vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Seafood Variation: Replace the ground meat with cooked and flaked fish or seafood for a flavorful twist.
Make It Healthier:
- Use lean ground meat and whole wheat flour for a healthier crust.
- Increase the ratio of vegetables in the filling by adding diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
Closing: This Easy French Meat Pie Recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of France and the joy of gathering around the table with loved ones. With its hearty filling and buttery crust, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your home, whether enjoyed as a comforting family dinner or served as the centerpiece of a festive feast. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy French Meat Pie Recipe:
Can I freeze The Easy French Meat Pie Recipe before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the pie and freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover Easy French Meat Pie Recipe?
Reheat individual slices in the microwave or place the whole pie in a preheated oven until warmed through.
Can I make a mini Easy French Meat Pie Recipe instead of one large pie?
Absolutely! Divide the dough and filling into smaller portions to make individual-sized pies, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Can I use different spices in the filling to make an Easy French Meat Pie Recipe?
Feel free to customize the spice blend to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for added flavor complexity.
Best French Meat pie
Course: All Recipes4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
- Pie Crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup ice water
- Meat Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper to taste
- Egg Wash:
1 egg, beaten (for brushing the crust)
Directions
- Pie Crust:
- In a food processor, pulse the flour and salt together.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- With the processor running, gradually add the ice water until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Meat Filling:
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and ground pork over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in breadcrumbs, beef or vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
- Assembly:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one disc of chilled pie crust and line a pie dish.
- Spoon the cooled meat filling into the crust-lined dish.
- Roll out the second disc of pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
- Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top crust with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the meat pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing.