Cozy Julia Child Hachis Parmentier Recipe – French Comfort Magic

Hachis parmentier emerges as a culinary gem that whispers rustic French charm through every savory layer.

This hearty dish transforms humble ingredients into a mouthwatering experience that dances between comfort and elegance.

Ground meat and silky potatoes intertwine in a harmonious blend of rich flavors.

Each forkful tells a story of traditional countryside cooking.

Generations of French families have cherished this recipe’s remarkable simplicity.

The golden potato crust promises a crispy welcome to a tender, seasoned heart.

Cooking becomes pure magic with this soul-warming masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 700 kcal

Servings: 5

Julia Child Hachis Parmentier Ingredients List

• Potatoes: Choose firm, starchy varieties like Russet for creamy, smooth texture.
• Milk: Select whole milk for rich, velvety consistency.
• Sour Cream: Opt for full-fat version to enhance creaminess.
• Butter: Use unsalted, high-quality butter for clean, rich flavor.
• Egg Yolks: Fresh, room-temperature yolks blend smoothly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated provides maximum flavor depth.
• Parsley: Fresh, bright green herbs indicate peak freshness.

• Ground Chuck: Look for 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy, flavorful meat.
• Carrots, Parsnips, Celery, Onions: Select firm, vibrant vegetables without blemishes.
• Garlic: Choose plump, firm bulbs with tight, unbroken skin.
• Tomato Paste: Seek concentrated, deep-colored paste.
• Thyme: Fresh herbs offer more intense aromatic profile.
• Red Wine: Select medium-bodied red wine with good acidity.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Ensure clear, sharp vinegar without cloudiness.

• Salt: Use kosher or sea salt for clean, pure seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides robust, complex flavor.
• Dried Thyme: Ensure herbs are fragrant and within expiration date.
• Additional Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese offers deeper, nuttier taste.
• Extra Parsley: Bright, crisp herbs for fresh garnish.

Tools You’ll Need for Parmentier Perfection

• Large pot: For boiling and preparing potatoes.
• Ricer: Ensures smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes.
• Large mixing bowl: Combines potato mixture ingredients.
• 12-inch oven-safe skillet: Versatile pan for sautéing and baking.
• Cutting board: Chops vegetables and herbs.
• Chef's knife: Precisely cuts ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Stirs and breaks up meat while cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurately measures ingredients.
• Whisk: Blends potato mixture smoothly.
• Spatula: Helps spread layers evenly in dish.

Baking Julia’s French Shepherd’s Pie Step-by-Step

• Craft Potato Base

Peel and chop potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water until soft. Drain and mash thoroughly to create smooth base.

• Create Creamy Potato Topping

Mix mashed potatoes with sour cream, melted butter, egg yolks, and herbs. Blend in warm milk for silky texture. Fold in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

• Build Flavor Foundation

Sauté diced vegetables in butter until tender and fragrant. Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking briefly to release rich aromas.

• Brown Meat Mixture

Introduce ground chuck to skillet, breaking into small pieces. Sprinkle with herbs and seasonings. Cook until meat loses pink color and develops deep brown crust.

• Develop Sauce Complexity

Splash red wine into skillet, scraping up delicious browned bits. Let liquid reduce and concentrate flavors. Stir in vinegar and fresh herbs for brightness.

• Assemble Shepherd's Pie

Spread meat mixture evenly in oven-safe skillet. Carefully layer creamy potato topping, creating gentle peaks and valleys for beautiful golden crust.

• Bake to Perfection

Place in preheated oven and cook until potato topping turns golden and edges become crispy. Allow slight bubbling around edges to indicate complete cooking.

• Serve and Savor

Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot, allowing everyone to enjoy the comforting layers of flavor.

Tips to Boost Hachis Parmentier’s Flavor

• Swap Meat Varieties: Replace ground chuck with ground lamb, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for unique flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Vegetable Flexibility: Customize the vegetable medley by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or swapping out root vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to cooking time.
• Cheese Creativity: Experiment with different cheese toppings like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or blue cheese to elevate the potato layer's richness and add unexpected depth to the classic shepherd's pie.

Presenting Parmentier the French Way

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, hearty dish.
• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the deep, savory notes of the beef and vegetables.
• Serve with Crisp Side Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy potato topping and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Create Rustic Table Setting: Use warm-toned plates and wooden serving boards to highlight the homemade, comfort-food style of this classic shepherd's pie.

Smart Storage for Hachis Parmentier Leftovers

• Meal Prepping for Hearty Comfort
• Craft this shepherd's pie ahead of time by preparing the beef and potato layers separately. Store components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before final assembly.
• Freeze with Ease
• Wrap the unbaked pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to preserve for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking for optimal texture and flavor.
• Refrigeration Wisdom
• Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup. Seal in a shallow container to maintain the potato's creamy consistency and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Perfection
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch when serving leftovers.

Perfect Julia Child Hachis Parmentier Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hachis Parmentier brings French comfort to classic shepherd’s pie with layers of savory ground beef and creamy mashed potatoes. Parisian comfort cuisine delights diners seeking hearty, traditional flavors you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) ground chuck (75/25%)
• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 sticks (1 cup / 226 g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed
• ½ cup (113 g) sour cream
• 2 large egg yolks
• ½ cup (50 g) + ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) red wine
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1 large carrot, small diced
• 1 medium parsnip, peeled and small diced
• 1 medium celery stalk, small diced
• ½ large white onion (or 1 small), small diced
• 3 small or 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2–3 tsp red wine vinegar
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter, divided
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Cleanse and dice potatoes into uniform cubes. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, then drain and rice into a mixing bowl. Blend with sour cream, melted butter, egg yolks, parsley, warm milk, Parmesan, salt, and pepper to create a smooth, creamy mixture.
2. Vegetable Sauté: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté carrots, parsnips, celery, and onions until tender. Introduce garlic and tomato paste, stirring to release aromatic flavors.
3. Meat Cooking: Add ground chuck beef with thyme, salt, and pepper. Crumble and cook until fully browned. Deglaze with red wine, scraping pan’s caramelized bits, and reduce liquid by 75%. Finish with red wine vinegar and parsley.
4. Assembly and Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F. Layer beef mixture in skillet, top with potato mixture, drizzle with butter, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Bake until potato topping turns golden and crispy, approximately 40 minutes.
5. Serving: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Potato Precision: Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Flavor Layering: Sauté vegetables thoroughly to develop deep, caramelized flavors that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Wine Reduction Technique: Reduce red wine carefully to concentrate flavors and create a rich, robust base for the meat mixture.
• Golden Topping Secret: Drizzle melted butter and sprinkle extra Parmesan on potato layer to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds irresistible texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg