Hachis Parmentier • French mashed potatoes and beef casserole

One of the most iconic French classics, ‘hachis Parmentier’ originated in Paris in the early 20th century and was named after French pharmacist and nutritionist Antoine Parmentier who helped popularize potato crops a century before when the country was fighting famine.

The soft and creamy texture is what makes this dish so recognizable. For me growing up, this meant eating altogether three of my favorite comfort foods – mashed potatoes, ground beef, and Emmental cheese (even though I use Parmesan cheese here). Although it isn’t as glamorous as other French dishes, you definitely can’t go wrong with it – family and friends will love it and you should not expect to have leftovers! This is a favorite in the winter!

This dish is adaptable for vegetarian diets by replacing the meat base with a mushroom base.

Hachis Parmentier • French mashed potatoes and beef casserole

Course: MainCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy
Makes

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Total time

1

hour 

Ingredients

  • 400 g 400 ground beef

  • 600 g 600 potatoes

  • 100 ml 100 milk

  • 150 g 150 onions

  • 15 g 15 garlic cloves

  • 30 g 30 butter

  • 50 g 50 grated Parmesan

  • Salt to taste

  • Pepper to taste

  • Herbes de Provence to taste

Directions

  • To make mashed potatoes
  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
  • Wash and cut the potatoes in small cubes (about 2×2 cm).
    Note: I personally don’t peel the potatoes but you can, of course.
  • Boil potatoes for 15 minutes or until softened. They are cooked once you can easily pierce them with the tip of a knife.
  • Drain the water, mash the potatoes, add milk, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Set aside.
  • To make the beef base
  • Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter at medium-high temperature then sautée the onions for 3 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and sautée for 2 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces using a spatula.
  • Season to taste with salt, pepper, and herbes de Provence.
  • The preparation is ready when the beef is cooked.
  • To assemble and bake
  • Preheat oven to 220°C/425°F.
  • In an oven-proof cookware, spread the beef preparation first, then layer the mashed potatoes above. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top
  • Bake until the cheese has melted and is slightly golden, about 10-15 minutes.
    Note: If you prepare the dish ahead of time, set it aside in the fridge and bake it just before serving. In this case, I suggest to bake 15 minutes at 175°C/350°F, and then to add the Parmesan cheese and bake for 10-15 minutes at 220°C/425°F.

Did you make this recipe?

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One Comment

  1. We have had the opportunity to taste the Hachis Parmentier, really incredible recipe! Thank you for the tips for the last minute baking, awesome

     

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