There’s something about a meal that simmers gently, filling the air with familiar scents that instantly settle your mind. This cozy ground beef dinner is exactly that kind of food—comforting, savory, and just the right amount of hearty to make you forget the day’s chaos. I remember one evening when I started cooking it, but halfway through, my phone rang, and I got distracted trying to juggle both. The sauce ended up a little thicker than usual, and honestly, it was even better that way.
The blend of caramelized onions, tender carrots, and earthy mushrooms mingling with seasoned ground beef creates a depth of flavor that makes you want to scrape the pan clean. The tomato sauce base ties everything together, offering a subtle tang and richness without overpowering the dish. I usually serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread, though sometimes I just dig in straight from the skillet because, well, who’s counting?
- Rich, homey flavors that feel like a warm embrace after a long day.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just good food.
- Versatile enough to pair with rice, bread, or potatoes, depending on your mood.
- A meal that comes together in under an hour, perfect for weeknight dinners.
If you’re worried about having all the right tools, no need to stress. A good skillet and a wooden spoon are all you really need to bring this dish to life. It’s one of those recipes that’s forgiving if you don’t follow every step to the letter. You can swap in whatever veggies you have on hand, maybe add a splash of broth if it looks dry, or let it simmer a bit longer for a thicker sauce.
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Cozy Ground Beef Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A warm and comforting ground beef dinner featuring sautéed vegetables, savory seasonings, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 3 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture.
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth.
Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot, optionally with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
When I serve this, I like to keep things casual. Sometimes I toss a green salad on the side, or if I’m feeling a bit adventurous, I’ll sprinkle some fresh herbs over the top—though I admit I haven’t tested all the combos yet. And if you want to change it up, adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a handful of olives can take it in a new direction. Just remember, it’s all about what feels right in the moment.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. It actually tastes better the next day once the flavors meld more. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently.
What can I serve with it? It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or even a simple side of steamed rice.
Is it freezer friendly? I haven’t tried freezing it myself, but it should hold up well if you store it in an airtight container and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Give this cozy ground beef dinner a try the next time you want something satisfying without the fuss. It’s a little reminder that comfort is often found in the simplest meals, made with a bit of patience and a touch of love.