Tourtière, the classic Canadian meat pie, is a comforting dish deeply rooted in French Canadian tradition. Often served during holidays and family gatherings, this savory pie represents warmth, heritage, and the joy of sharing a hearty meal around the table.
Traditionally prepared with finely ground pork, beef, or veal, tourtière is gently seasoned with onion, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and pepper. These subtle spices give the filling its distinctive aroma and rich, cozy flavor without overpowering the meat. Everything is simmered slowly until tender and perfectly blended, creating a filling that is both juicy and deeply satisfying.
The meat mixture is then wrapped in a flaky, buttery pie crust that bakes to a beautiful golden color. When sliced, the contrast between the crisp pastry and the soft, savory filling makes every bite irresistible. Tourtière is not a heavy pie, but it is filling, comforting, and wonderfully balanced.
What makes this dish especially special is how many variations exist. Some families add potatoes for extra texture, others include game meat, and many have their own secret spice blend passed down through generations. No two tourtières are exactly the same, yet all of them carry the same spirit of tradition and home cooking.
Tourtière is usually served with simple sides that allow the pie to shine. Pickles, mustard, cranberry sauce, or a light green salad with lemon provide a fresh contrast to the rich filling. It is just as delicious hot from the oven as it is the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Beyond its taste, tourtière tells a story of Canadian winters, long evenings, and family recipes preserved through time. It is a dish that connects generations, bringing together history and comfort in one beautiful pie.
Whether you are discovering tourtière for the first time or returning to a familiar favorite, this Canadian meat pie always delivers warmth, tradition, and unforgettable flavor in every slice.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 pastry crusts pie crust prepared
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground pork and beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in salt, pepper, ground cloves, cinnamon, and water. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Place one pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate. Fill with the meat mixture and cover with the second pie crust.
- Seal and flute the edges. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top crust with melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Yum! I’m not even Canadian and this was so good! Definitely making it again.
I don’t know how to make a crust, can I use store-bought? Help!
Easiest recipe ever!!! My family devoured it in one sitting! Will make again for sure!
This is my favorite pie! It’s so hearty and comforting. Glad to hear your family loved it too!
I tried it but it was a bit too salty for my taste. Maybe I used too much salt?
This meat pie is just ground meat and spices? Sounds bland. I’ll pass.
Absolutely loved this recipe! Tastes just like my grandma’s tourtiere! 😍
I tried this recipe and it was amazing too! Perfect for holidays! 🥧
Not sure if I agree. My grandma’s recipe is totally different, no cloves in hers.
What’s with the cloves and cinnamon? Isn’t that for cookies? 🤔
It took forever to cook, but at least it tasted good in the end, right?
Yeah, sometimes good things take time! Glad it was worth the wait. 😋