Description
Classic French shepherd’s pie Julia Child showcases rustic comfort from French kitchens. Rich layers of ground beef, potatoes, and herbs create a hearty meal that connects home cooks with traditional Parisian culinary warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground chuck (75/25%)
- 3 pounds russet potatoes (about 6 medium), peeled and cubed
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed (add as needed)
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (4 ounces) sour cream
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 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 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup red wine (one you like to drink)
- 2 to 3 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse and dice the potatoes into uniform 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) cubes. Submerge them in a spacious pot filled with cold water, ensuring coverage by 1 inch (2.5 centimeters). Season generously with salt and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook until potatoes yield easily when pierced with a fork, approximately 10 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and press through a ricer into a generous mixing bowl. Incorporate sour cream, melted unsalted butter, egg yolks, and finely chopped parsley. Gradually introduce warm whole milk to achieve a silky, smooth consistency. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Select a 12-inch (30 centimeters) oven-safe skillet and melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add diced carrots, parsnips, celery, and onions. Sprinkle with salt and sauté until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and tomato paste to the vegetable mixture. Stir continuously for 1 minute, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence.
- Incorporate ground chuck beef into the skillet, along with fresh and dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Break the meat into fine crumbles using a wooden spoon, cooking until no pink remains, roughly 5 minutes.
- Deglaze the skillet with red wine, carefully scraping the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the liquid to reduce by approximately 75%, creating a concentrated flavor profile, about 10 minutes.
- Finish the filling by stirring in red wine vinegar and additional chopped parsley. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring even heat distribution.
- Distribute the beef mixture evenly across the skillet’s surface. Gently layer the prepared mashed potatoes on top, creating a smooth, even coating.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and delicately drizzle over the potato topping. Sprinkle an additional layer of grated Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the potato topping transforms into a golden-brown, crispy surface, approximately 40 minutes.
- Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Present immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Potato Mashing Magic: Use a potato ricer for silky-smooth mashed potatoes that glide effortlessly across your palate, eliminating pesky lumps in seconds.
- Cooling Technique Matters: Allow the meat mixture to rest for roughly 15 minutes before adding potato topping, preventing soggy layers and maintaining perfect structural integrity.
- Flavor Layering Strategy: Sprinkle salt and pepper individually into meat, vegetables, and potatoes, creating a symphony of taste that transforms each mouthful.
- Deglazing Depth Trick: Splash red wine into the meat pan, capturing those delicious caramelized bits that unlock rich, complex flavor profiles instantly.
- Crispy Crust Perfection: Bake until the Parmesan topping turns a gorgeous golden brown, delivering a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with creamy inner layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg