Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

French Style Comfort Food

Onto the Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

For this recipe I recommend you use instant mashed potatoes, because that's what makes mashed potato casserole so quick and easy to prepare. Do use a high quality instant mashed potato however -- all it should have in it is potatoes. Read your labels

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The recipe here is for a fairly typical French version of Hachis Parmentier, but feel free to change the vegetables, seasoning, and even the meat in this recipe. Hachis Parmentier is extremely versatile.

Mashed Potato Casserole

2 onions, chopped3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed1 tablespoon butter2 tablespoons olive oil3 tomatoes, chopped1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence or other herbssalt and pepper (to your taste)1 egg yolk2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese4 - 5 cups mashed potatoes (instant is fine)3/4 cup grated cheese (gruyère, emmental, or swiss)

In a large frying pan, cook the onions and garlic in the butter and olive oil on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, ground beef, herbs, salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned thoroughly. Turn off heat and add egg yolk and Parmesan cheese, stirring to mix completely.

Spread the meat in the bottom of an lightly oiled oven proof dish (a 13 X 9 inch Pyrex dish would be perfect for the amount given in this recipe). Spread the potatoes on top of this and finish by sprinkling grated cheese on top.

Brown in 400° F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.