There’s something about the smell of onions sizzling in olive oil that instantly makes a kitchen feel like home. I remember one evening recently, the kind where the day had slipped away faster than I expected, and hunger crept up quietly. I started chopping potatoes, thinking about how this simple, unpretentious meal would soon fill the room with that warm, inviting aroma. The sound of the ground beef browning, mingling with garlic and thyme, was almost like a little promise of comfort. I got a bit distracted halfway through, fixing my phone notification instead of stirring, but that’s part of the charm—real life happening alongside real food.
Once the mashed potatoes were creamy and smooth—though not perfectly whipped, because I tend to stop a bit early—the whole dinner came together like a warm hug on a plate.
Why You’ll Love It
- This dinner hits all the cozy notes without fuss — it’s simple, and that’s kind of the point.
- The mashed potatoes are creamy but not overworked, so they keep a bit of texture that feels homemade.
- The ground beef simmers with thyme and broth, giving it depth without needing fancy ingredients.
- It’s easy enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to slow down and savor.
If you’re not a fan of too much seasoning, you can easily dial back the herbs or swap them out for what you have on hand. It’s forgiving, just like a good comfort meal should be.
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Ground Beef Dinner with Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A classic and hearty ground beef dinner served with creamy mashed potatoes. This comforting meal is perfect for a family dinner and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1/2 cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt (for mashed potatoes)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for mashed potatoes)
Instructions
Place the peeled and chunked potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to the water.
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
Season the beef with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Stir to combine.
Pour in the beef broth, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.
Add the butter, milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the potatoes.
Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or fork until smooth and creamy.
Serve the ground beef mixture over or alongside the mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Kitchen Notes: I usually stick to a good sturdy pot for boiling the potatoes and a skillet that’s big enough to hold the beef without crowding. Serving this dinner with a simple green salad or steamed veggies adds a fresh contrast. Sometimes, I add a splash of cream instead of milk to the potatoes when I want them extra rich, but honestly, both ways work fine. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar on the hot potatoes is not a bad idea, though I haven’t tested that every time.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, just store the beef and potatoes separately and reheat gently to keep the texture right.
What if I don’t have beef broth? A bit of water with extra seasoning works okay in a pinch.
Can I use a different type of potato? Russets are best for fluffiness, but Yukon Golds work too—and they add a creamier touch.
This meal is such a straightforward way to bring comfort to the table; give it a try next time you want something easy but satisfying.