Hachis Parmentier (French Shepherd's Pie)
Local name: Hachis parmentier
In short: Savory minced beef cooked with onion and herbs, topped with buttery mashed potato and cheese, then baked until golden. It takes about 1 h 25 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 55 min
- Total
- 1 h 25 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 570 kcal
Hachis parmentier is the French answer to shepherd's pie, and a staple of weeknight dinners and school canteens. A savory filling of minced beef, onion and thyme sits under a thick layer of buttery mashed potato, topped with cheese and baked until golden. It is a classic way to use leftover pot-au-feu or braised beef, though freshly minced beef works just as well. Serve it hot with a green salad.
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in well-salted water for 20 minutes until completely tender. Drain well and let them steam dry for 3 minutes.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth with the butter, warm milk, nutmeg and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the onion and carrot for 8 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Turn the heat to high, add the beef and cook for 8 minutes, breaking it up, until it is no longer pink and any liquid has evaporated. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme and bay leaf.
- Pour in the wine and let it bubble for 2 minutes, then add the stock, salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until the filling is moist but not runny. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the parsley.
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread the filling in a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish.
- Spoon the mashed potato on top and spread it to the edges. Rake the surface with a fork and scatter the cheese over it.
- Bake for 25 minutes until bubbling and golden, with the beef at least 71°C (160°F). For extra color, broil for 2 minutes. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Floury potatoes such as russet make the lightest mash. Pass them through a ricer if you want a very smooth topping.
- Use leftover shredded pot-au-feu or braised beef in place of fresh mince, and moisten it with a little of the cooking broth.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between hachis parmentier and shepherd's pie?
Hachis parmentier is made with beef and has a cheese-topped potato layer. Shepherd's pie is made with lamb, and cottage pie with beef, often with gravy and peas.
Can I freeze hachis parmentier?
Yes. Assemble it without baking, wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake for 40 minutes at 190°C (375°F).
What do you serve with hachis parmentier?
A simple green salad with mustard vinaigrette is the usual partner. Green beans or a tomato salad also work well.
How long does it take to make Hachis Parmentier (French Shepherd's Pie)?
About 1 h 25 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 55 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Hachis Parmentier (French Shepherd's Pie)?
About 570 kcal per serving, with 31 g of protein, 40 g of carbohydrates and 30 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 570 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
