Pate Chinois

Name: Pate Chinois
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 4 cups Potatoes; 60ml Butter; ½ cup Milk; 450g Minced Beef; 1 finely chopped Onion; 500ml Creamed Corn; to taste Paprika; to taste Parsley; Dash Salt; Dash Pepper

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Serves 6 568 kcal per serving Prep 20 min Cook 1 h Passive 10 min

Ingredients

4 cups Potatoes
60ml Butter
½ cup Milk
450g Minced Beef
1 finely chopped Onion
500ml Creamed Corn
to taste Paprika
to taste Parsley
Dash Salt
Dash Pepper

Instructions

Cook the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until very tender. Drain thoroughly.
Mash the hot potatoes with part of the butter, then beat in the milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 190°C / 375°F, positioning the rack in the middle.
Melt the remaining butter in a large skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft. Add the minced beef and cook, breaking it up, until evenly browned. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat.
Press the meat mixture gently into the base of a 20 cm (8-inch) square baking dish. Spread the creamed corn evenly over the meat, then top with the mashed potatoes, smoothing the surface.
Sprinkle with paprika and parsley. Bake for about 30 minutes, then finish under the broiler until lightly golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

Use creamed corn for the middle layer to ensure the dish stays moist and has the classic Quebecois texture.
Season the ground beef well with onions and salt, but keep it simple—this is a comfort food dish that relies on nostalgia.
Score the top of the mashed potatoes with a fork to create little ridges that get crispy and golden in the oven.

Variations

Lentil Base: Substitute the ground beef with cooked brown lentils for a vegetarian ‘Pâté Chinois’.
Spiced Beef: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cloves to the beef for a flavor profile closer to a tourtière.

Storage

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats exceptionally well in the microwave or oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a large dollop of ketchup on the side, which is the most traditional condiment for this dish.
Accompany with pickled beets or a simple coleslaw.