When the evening settles in with a chill, sometimes all you want is a dinner that feels like a soft blanket. This ground beef dish hits that note just right—deeply savory, with just the right hint of herbs and a tomato sauce that clings to every forkful. It’s the kind of meal that asks you to slow down, maybe light a candle, and take a moment for yourself.
I remember the last time I made this, the smell of sautéed onions and garlic filled the kitchen, pulling me in while I was half-distracted by a podcast I wasn’t really following. Somewhere between stirring and sniffing, I realized the carrots and celery softened perfectly, their sweetness balancing the richness of the beef. I wasn’t exactly timing it, just letting things happen. The mushrooms released their juices slowly, and the tomato paste deepened the sauce with a comforting, almost nostalgic warmth. It wasn’t fancy, but it felt like a small, perfect pause in a busy day.
Why you’ll love it:
- It’s hearty enough to satisfy without being overly complicated — and that’s kind of the point.
- Vegetables sneak in seamlessly, making this a quiet way to eat more greens without fuss.
- The rich tomato sauce has a hint of spice, but it’s gentle enough for anyone who doesn’t usually like heat.
- Leftovers reheat well, so you can look forward to a comforting lunch the next day, too.
If you’re not used to cooking with fresh herbs, don’t worry — the dried oregano and basil here do most of the heavy lifting. The fresh parsley at the end is just a bright little finish that you can skip if it’s not handy.
PrintCozy Ground Beef Dinner
A warm and comforting ground beef dinner featuring savory vegetables and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium 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
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion, carrot, and celery to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cook for another 3 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes.
Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Add diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 3 minutes until peas are heated through.
Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley.
Serve warm as a hearty, cozy dinner.
Kitchen Notes: I usually make this in a sturdy skillet that holds heat evenly, but feel free to use what you have. This dinner pairs nicely with crusty bread or even a simple green salad if you want to keep things light. Sometimes I toss in a handful of frozen corn instead of peas when that’s what’s in the freezer, and it works pretty well. Another time, I added a splash of red wine to deepen the sauce — it’s not necessary, but it adds a little something special. If you prefer it less saucy, just simmer it down a bit longer; I haven’t tested all variations, but this one feels forgiving.
FAQ:
Can I make this ahead? Yes, it stores well for a few days and reheats gently on the stove or microwave.
Is this spicy? Just a little bit from the crushed red pepper flakes — you can leave those out if you want it milder.
Can I use ground turkey instead? You probably can, but the flavor and texture will be a bit different.
This cozy ground beef dinner is just the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something a bit more comforting. Give it a try and see how a simple dish can feel like a quiet celebration of home.