Discover the ultimate comfort food that combines tender, flavorful beef with a creamy potato puree and a crispy, golden cheese topping. This traditional French dish is sure to warm hearts and satisfy hunger.
Ingredients
For the Potato Puree
- 1.2 kg potatoes
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 200 ml whole milk
- Salt and pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
For the Beef
- 600 g ground beef
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 100 ml beef broth
- Salt and pepper
For the Gratinated Topping
- 120 g grated cheese (comté or emmental)
- Fresh parsley
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare the Potato Puree
- Peel and chop potatoes
- Boil in salted water for 20 minutes
- Drain and mash
- Add butter, hot milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg
- Mix until smooth and creamy
2. Cook the Beef
- Finely chop onion
- Sauté in olive oil for 3 minutes
- Add ground beef
- Season and cook 8 minutes
- Sprinkle with flour
- Add beef broth
- Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened
3. Assemble the Parmentier
- Preheat oven to 200°C
- Spread beef in an even layer in baking dish
- Cover with potato puree
- Smooth surface
- Generously sprinkle with grated cheese
4. Bake and Gratinate
- Bake 25-30 minutes
- Until crust is golden and crispy
5. Finish
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley
Nutritional Information
Per Serving
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
Cooking Details
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
Expert Cooking Tips
- Use starchy potatoes for creamy puree
- Prepare a day ahead for enhanced flavors
- Add a spoonful of crème fraîche for extra richness
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with lentils
- Cheese Variations: Try gruyère or cheddar
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour
- Lighter Version: Use lean beef and reduce cheese
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I freeze this dish? Yes, freeze before baking for up to 1 month.
Q2: What potatoes work best? Bintje or other starchy varieties.
Q3: How to reheat? Oven at 160°C for 15-20 minutes.
Q4: Can I make it spicier? Add herbs or chili flakes to beef mixture.
Q5: What to serve alongside? Green salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days
- Reheat: In oven to maintain crispiness
- Can be prepared a day in advance
A truly comforting French classic that brings warmth to any table!