If you love warm, comforting foods and want something special without spending hours in the kitchen, this is for you. Today we’ll learn how to make a classic tourtière (meat pie) in just 20 minutes.
Yes, you heard that right—delicious, savoury, and ready fast! Whether you’re cooking for family or just want a tasty snack, this recipe is simple, quick and full of flavour.
What is a Classic Tourtière?
The tourtière is a traditional Canadian meat pie, especially popular around holidays. But you don’t need a big celebration to enjoy it. With the right ingredients and a little speed, you can bring this classic dish to your table anytime.
In this version, we lighten the process to finish in 20 minutes, while still keeping the rich, hearty taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the main items for our quick tourtière:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Role in the recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Ground meat (pork or beef) | ~250 g | The main filling, gives the dish its heart |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 small | Adds sweetness and texture |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove | Gives a flavour boost |
| Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove) | ½ tsp each approx | The classic tourtière seasoning set |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | To balance and enhance flavours |
| Pie crust (ready-made) | 1 sheet | Saves time and gives a golden pastry base |
| Egg (beaten) | 1 | For brushing the crust to get that shine |
Step-by-Step: Making the Meat Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil, then put in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes, until soft. Add your ground meat and begin to cook, breaking it up with a spoon.
Sprinkle in salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Continue cooking until the meat is brown and cooked through (about 5 minutes).
Step 2: Fill the Crust
Take your ready-made pie crust and place it in a baking dish. Spoon the cooked meat mixture into the crust and level it out. Leave a small border around the edge.
Step 3: Add the Top & Brush
If your crust sheet has a top layer, place it over the filling and seal the edges by pressing lightly. If not, you can leave it open and sprinkle a bit of extra spice on top. Then, beat the egg and brush it gently over the crust so it turns golden in the oven.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Preheat your oven to about 200 °C (390 °F). Bake the pie for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot. Remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two before slicing.
Why This Recipe Works in 20 Minutes
- Using a ready-made crust saves lots of time.
- Cooking the meat quickly over high heat shortens the process.
- The spice blend gives the same classic taste without needing long simmering.
- A high bake temperature finishes things fast and crisply.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this meat pie with a simple salad or steamed vegetables. It also pairs well with a light gravy or tomato sauce if you like something extra. Because it’s rich and hearty, a fresh crisp side works really well.
Making a classic tourtière (meat pie) in just 20 minutes is absolutely doable—and delicious! With simple ingredients, smart shortcuts, and a little focus, you’ll have a warm, comforting dish ready without the long wait. Perfect for a busy day or when friends drop by unexpectedly.
Make it your own by trying different meats or adding vegetables. Enjoy every bite of your quick-and-tasty homemade meat pie!
FAQs
Can I use just beef instead of pork or a mix?
Yes, you can use only beef if you prefer. It will still taste great—just adjust your seasoning as needed.
What if I don’t have ready-made crust?
If you have a homemade crust or use puff pastry, that’s fine too. Just be sure it’s rolled out and ready so you still finish in about 20 minutes.
Can I make the pie ahead and reheat later?
Absolutely. You can bake it, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at about 180 °C for 5-8 minutes until warm. It will still turn out well.
