Recipe

Classic Canadian Pâté Chinois

Savory Layers: A Canadian Twist on Shepherd's Pie

4.4 out of 5

This recipe is a classic Canadian dish that originated in Quebec. Pâté Chinois, meaning "Chinese pie," is a comforting and hearty meal consisting of layers of seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and creamy mashed potatoes. It is a beloved comfort food that has been passed down through generations in Canadian households.

Pie› Savory Pie› Pâté Chinois

Cuisine of the Americas› North American cuisine› Canadian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

30 minutes

Total time

50 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Omnivore, Gluten-free, Dairy-free (if using dairy-free butter and milk alternatives), Nut-free, Low sugar

Allergens

N/A

Not suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb

Ingredients

500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups (340g) sweet corn kernels 2 cups (340g) sweet corn kernels
4 cups (800g) mashed potatoes 4 cups (800g) mashed potatoes
2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 8g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 6g
Protein: 25g
Fiber: 5g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4.
Stir in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5.
Spread the seasoned ground beef evenly in the bottom of a casserole dish.
6.
Layer the sweet corn kernels on top of the ground beef.
7.
In a separate bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, butter, and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
8.
Spread the mashed potatoes over the sweet corn layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
9.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
10.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Sweet corn — If fresh corn is not available, you can use canned or frozen corn kernels. Make sure to drain them well before using.
Mashed potatoes — For extra flavor, you can add grated cheese or chopped herbs to the mashed potatoes before spreading them over the corn layer.

Tips & Tricks

For a crispy top, broil the Pâté Chinois for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Customize the seasoning by adding Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the ground beef mixture.
Serve with a side of tangy pickles or a dollop of ketchup for added flavor.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a quick and delicious meal.
Experiment with different variations by adding vegetables like peas or carrots to the ground beef layer.

Serving advice

Pâté Chinois is best served hot, straight from the oven. Cut into squares and serve on individual plates. Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, garnish the Pâté Chinois with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the golden-brown top layer.