Hachis Parmentier is a rich and hearty French casserole, made with layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy mashed potatoes, and golden, melted cheese. This dish is the French equivalent of shepherd’s pie and is perfect for a cozy family meal.
Yield: 6 Servings
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 bulb garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 handful green beans, chopped
- 1 leek, finely chopped
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or cheese of choice)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes, or until tender.
- Drain, reserving a bit of the cooking water, then mash thoroughly.
- Stir in cream, milk, butter, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Filling
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chopped leeks, green beans, carrots, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a baking dish or Pyrex pan with oil.
- Spread a layer of the beef mixture (about 1 inch thick) at the bottom.
- Add a layer of mashed potatoes over the beef.
- Sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese topping.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with a green salad with balsamic dressing, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries for a balanced meal.
Tips for the Best Hachis Parmentier
- Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the creamiest mash.
- Try different cheeses like Gruyère or Comté for a rich, nutty taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for this dish.
Q: What can I serve with Hachis Parmentier?
A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread makes the perfect side.
Enjoy this classic French comfort dish, a rich and satisfying meal for any occasion! 🇫🇷😊