Ground Beef Dinner with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
This ground beef dinner with creamy mashed potatoes is a comforting Italian-inspired weeknight meal made with simple ingredients. Hearty, balanced, and easy to prepare, it is perfect for busy evenings.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Potato Masher
Ingredients
Ground Beef
- 1 lb ground beef lean preferred
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- 2 lb potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk warmed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil, then simmer until fork tender.
- While the potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook briefly until fragrant, then add the ground beef. Break it apart and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Season the beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot. Let excess steam escape for a minute to avoid watery potatoes.
- Add butter to the potatoes and mash until mostly smooth, then slowly add warm milk while mashing until creamy.
- Season the mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve mashed potatoes topped with the seasoned ground beef and garnish if desired.
Notes
Potato tip: Letting steam escape before mashing keeps potatoes fluffy.
Serving idea: Add steamed vegetables or salad on the side for balance.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.
Reheating: Add a splash of milk to mashed potatoes when reheating.