Québec-Style Shepherd's Pie (Pâté Chinois)
Experience the comforting flavors of Québec with this Shepherd's Pie, or Pâté Chinois, which combines savory ground beef, sweet cream-style corn, and fluffy mashed potatoes for a satisfying one-dish meal. With only three main ingredients, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but adaptable to your taste preferences—feel free to experiment with seasonings or add vegetables for an extra twist. Perfect for cozy dinners, this comforting dish can become a family favorite with its simple approach and delightful flavors. Serve alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1/2 lb (browned)
cream-style corn
1 can (no preparation needed)
mashed potatoes
2 cups (prepared to your liking)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked, seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Transfer the browned beef to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
4
Pour the cream-style corn over the beef, ensuring it covers the meat completely.
5
Top the dish with the prepared mashed potatoes, spreading them out evenly to seal in the flavors.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is heated through.
7
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Québec-style Shepherd's Pie warm, paired with a side salad if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Québec-Style Shepherd's Pie?
Also known as Pâté Chinois, it is a comforting French-Canadian dish consisting of layers of ground beef, cream-style corn, and mashed potatoes.
What are the three main ingredients in this recipe?
The three main ingredients are lean ground beef, cream-style corn, and prepared mashed potatoes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This specific recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Do I need to cook the beef before putting it in the oven?
Yes, you should brown the lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it is fully cooked before layering.
What seasonings should I add to the beef?
You can season the ground beef with salt and pepper to your personal taste while browning it.
How do I layer the Pâté Chinois?
Start with the browned beef at the bottom, followed by a layer of cream-style corn, and top it off with mashed potatoes.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, it is recommended to transfer the beef to a greased casserole dish to prevent sticking.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The dish should bake for approximately 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the Shepherd's Pie is done?
It is ready when the potato topping is lightly golden and the filling is heated through.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely, using 2 cups of prepared mashed potatoes is perfect for this recipe.
What kind of corn is used in traditional Pâté Chinois?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 can of cream-style corn for a moist and sweet layer.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to help the layers set.
What is a good side dish for this meal?
A fresh side salad is a great accompaniment to balance the richness of the Shepherd's Pie.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, with only three main steps and simple layering, it is considered a very easy recipe.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
While the traditional version uses corn, the recipe is adaptable and you can experiment with adding other vegetables.
What makes this a 'one-dish meal'?
It contains protein, a vegetable layer, and starch all in one casserole dish, making it a complete meal.
How much ground beef is required?
You will need 1/2 lb of lean ground beef for this 2-serving recipe.
How much corn is needed?
One standard can of cream-style corn is sufficient for the middle layer.
How much mashed potatoes should I prepare?
You should prepare approximately 2 cups of mashed potatoes.
Can I use extra seasonings?
Yes, you are encouraged to experiment with your favorite seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is a staple of Québec comfort food known for its satisfying and savory flavors.
What is the origin of this dish?
This dish is a classic part of Québec cuisine.
Do I need to drain the corn?
No, cream-style corn is used as-is to provide a creamy texture to the dish.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the layers and keep it refrigerated before baking.
How do I spread the potatoes evenly?
You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the mashed potatoes over the corn layer to create a seal.
Can I use regular corn instead of cream-style?
While cream-style corn is traditional, you can use regular corn, though the texture will be less creamy.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, its simple ingredients and mild flavors make it a popular choice for family meals.
What heat setting should I use for browning the beef?
Use medium heat to brown the beef evenly without burning it.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger casserole dish for more servings.