Description
Hachis Parmentier is a classic French comfort food featuring layers of savory ground meat and creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection. This easy, adaptable casserole combines simple ingredients to deliver a hearty, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining. With straightforward steps and a rich, cozy texture, it’s a timeless dish that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Topping
- 2 pounds starchy potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Meat Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Peel and chop the potatoes into uniform pieces. Boil them in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain well. Mash the potatoes with butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
- Cook the Ground Meat Mixture: Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent and soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, cooking until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove from heat once well combined and flavorful.
- Assemble the Hachis Parmentier: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly in a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top and spread smoothly to cover the meat completely. Optionally, sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the potato layer for a golden crust.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the assembled casserole for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and slightly crisp around the edges. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set.
Notes
- Use warm milk in mashed potatoes to keep them silky and fluffy.
- Drain excess fat after browning the meat to avoid greasiness.
- Spread mashed potatoes evenly for consistent cooking and a neat presentation.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to set the layers and enhance flavor melding.
- Use cheese sparingly to enhance the crust without overpowering the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Hachis Parmentier, French casserole, mashed potato bake, comfort food, ground beef casserole
