Meat and Mushrooms with Smashed Potatoes

 

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds red potatoes (about 6 medium), cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 medium onion, halved and sliced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
• 1/2 cup french-fried onions

Directions

1. Place potatoes in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook, uncovered, until tender, 10-15 minutes. 
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook and crumble beef with mushrooms and onion over medium-high heat until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes; drain. Stir in flour, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until blended. Gradually stir in broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
3. Drain potatoes; return to pan. Mash potatoes to desired consistency, adding butter, cream, and the remaining salt and pepper. Spoon into bowls; top with beef mixture. Sprinkle with fried onions.