Pâté Chinois (Québécois Shepherd's Pie)
Local name: Pâté chinois
In short: Layers of seasoned ground beef, sweet corn and creamy mashed potatoes baked until golden, the weeknight comfort dish of Québec homes. It takes about 1 h 30 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 480 kcal
Pâté chinois is a Québec family staple, a baked casserole of three layers: seasoned ground beef on the bottom, a layer of corn in the middle and mashed potatoes on top, finished with paprika. It resembles shepherd's pie but uses corn in place of other vegetables and is often served with ketchup or pickled beets on the side. It is cheap, feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully, so it often turns up in lunch boxes the next day.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Boil the potatoes in salted water for 18 to 20 minutes, until tender.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion for 6 minutes until soft, then add the garlic for 1 minute.
- Add the beef and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it up, until no pink remains and it reaches 71°C (160°F). Drain off excess fat. Stir in the tomato paste, salt, pepper, thyme and stock and simmer for 3 minutes until moist but not wet.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them with the butter, warm milk and 1 teaspoon salt until smooth.
- Spread the beef in a 2.5 L (2 1/2 qt) baking dish and cover it with the corn. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top, sealing them to the edges. Rake the surface with a fork and dust with paprika.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and the edges bubble. Rest for 10 minutes and serve with ketchup or pickled beets.
Tips
- For the most traditional texture, spread a layer of creamed corn over the beef instead of whole kernels. A sprinkle of cheddar on the potatoes before baking is a popular addition.
- Assemble it up to a day ahead, cover and refrigerate, adding 10 minutes to the baking time. It also freezes well for 3 months.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between pâté chinois and shepherd's pie?
Pâté chinois has ground beef, corn and mashed potatoes. Shepherd's pie is traditionally made with lamb and a gravy with peas and carrots.
Can I freeze pâté chinois?
Yes. Cool it, wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake covered at 175°C (350°F) for about 35 minutes.
What do you serve with pâté chinois?
Ketchup, pickled beets or a simple green salad are the usual partners. Many Québec families add a spoonful of fruit ketchup.
How long does it take to make Pâté Chinois (Québécois Shepherd's Pie)?
About 1 h 30 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 1 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Pâté Chinois (Québécois Shepherd's Pie)?
About 480 kcal per serving, with 28 g of protein, 48 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 480 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
