Chef Miller's Pâté Chinois Recipe (Shepard's Pie)

Pâté Chinois Recipe

Pâté Chinois is a classic French-Canadian comfort dish from Québec. It’s a simple, satisfying three-layer casserole made of seasoned ground beef, corn (both creamed and whole kernels), and mashed potatoes, baked until golden. Think of it as Québec’s version of shepherd’s pie — traditionally served with ketchup on top.

Serves 4–6

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Ingredients

Beef Layer

• 2 lb ground beef (we should try with each of your types of ground beef)
• ½ tbsp garlic powder
• ½ tbsp onion powder
• ½ tbsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Corn Layer – Two Parts

1. Creamed Corn Purée

• 1 bag frozen corn
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 3 sage leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped thyme
• ½ cup white wine
• 2 cups chicken stock, vegetable stock, or water

2. Whole Corn Kernels

• 2 bags frozen corn
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mashed Potatoes

• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• Butter (to taste)
• Half-and-half (to taste)
• Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef

1. Heat a skillet over high heat.
2. Season the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear the beef until browned and fully cooked.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Make the Creamed Corn Purée

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the shallot, sage, and thyme until translucent and fragrant.
2. Add the white wine and reduce slightly.
3. Stir in the frozen corn and stock.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the corn is soft.
5. Blend until smooth. The consistency should be creamy but not overly thick. Set aside.

3. Make the Corn

1. In a large hot pan, cook the two bags of frozen corn until heated through and softened.
2. Pour the corn purée over the kernels and stir gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

4. Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the russet potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.
2. Drain and mash with butter and half-and-half until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a baking dish:
   • Bottom layer: cooked ground beef
   • Middle layer: corn mixture
   • Top layer: mashed potatoes (spread evenly; rough up the surface slightly for browning)
3. Bake until the top of the potatoes is lightly golden.
4. Remove from oven and let rest for 30 minutes before serving.

--- Enjoy!!!