Pâté Chinois is a classic French-Canadian comfort food, consisting of three simple yet flavorful layers: seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and creamy mashed potatoes. This hearty and satisfying dish is similar to shepherd’s pie but holds a special place in Québecois cuisine. Easy to make and loved by all ages, Pâté Chinois is a staple family dinner that brings warmth to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic French-Canadian Comfort Food – A traditional dish with a simple yet delicious flavor combination.
- Easy & Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples and requires minimal effort.
- Perfectly Layered – Savory beef, sweet corn, and creamy potatoes create a well-balanced dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance and bake when ready to serve.
- Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meat Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Corn Layer:
- 1 ½ cups canned or frozen corn
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Mashed Potato Layer:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- In a large pot, boil the peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned.
- Drain excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, spread the cooked beef mixture evenly.
- Add a layer of corn, then top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface.
- Bake:
- Sprinkle with paprika for color and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Variations
- Cheesy Pâté Chinois: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat.
- Spiced-Up Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beef layer for a bit of heat.
- Creamy Corn Layer: Mix the corn with cream of mushroom soup for a richer texture.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Substitute regular potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked or baked pâté chinois for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
1. What does “Pâté Chinois” mean?
Despite the name, Pâté Chinois is a French-Canadian dish similar to shepherd’s pie. “Chinois” means Chinese, but the origins of the name remain debated. Some believe it was a meal served to Chinese railway workers in Canada.
2. How is Pâté Chinois different from shepherd’s pie?
Unlike traditional shepherd’s pie, which sometimes includes peas and carrots, Pâté Chinois uses corn as the only vegetable layer.
3. Can I use fresh corn instead of canned or frozen?
Yes, fresh corn works perfectly—just cook it slightly before layering.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold.
5. What’s the best type of potato for mashing?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for a smooth, creamy mash.
6. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative.
7. How do I make it gluten-free?
This dish is naturally gluten-free—just ensure the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free.
8. Can I make individual portions?
Yes, assemble in small ramekins for single servings and adjust baking time to 15-20 minutes.
9. How do I get a crispy top layer?
Brush the mashed potatoes with melted butter or olive oil before baking for a golden crust.
10. What can I serve with Pâté Chinois?
Pair it with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed green beans for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Pâté Chinois is a simple yet flavorful French-Canadian classic that brings comfort and warmth to the dinner table. With its savory meat, sweet corn, and creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try a creative variation, this easy homemade casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike!
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Pâté Chinois (French-Canadian Shepherd’s Pie)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting French-Canadian dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and creamy mashed potatoes, baked until golden. This hearty meal is a family favorite and a true taste of Quebec cuisine!
Ingredients
For the Meat Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Corn Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups canned or frozen corn
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Mashed Potato Layer:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
-
Cook the Meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned.
- Drain excess fat, then season with salt, pepper, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
-
Assemble the Layers:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of corn, then top with the mashed potatoes. Smooth the surface.
-
Bake:
- Sprinkle with paprika and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- For a richer mashed potato topping, use cream instead of milk.
- Try substituting creamed corn for regular corn for a sweeter layer.
- Add a layer of grated cheese on top before baking for extra flavor.
- Serve with ketchup or pickled beets, a traditional accompaniment!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-Canadian
