Ultimate Comforting Dinner

Step 1 -Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them.

Step 2 -Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Step 3 -Reduce the heat to medium and cook, uncovered, until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4 -In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the beef, the mushrooms, and the onions and cook, while crumbling the beef, until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5 -Drain the fat from the skillet.

Step 6 -Stir in the flour, 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt until blended.

Step 7 -Gradually stir in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8 -Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered, while stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 9 -Drain the potatoes.

Step 10 -Return the potatoes to the saucepan and mash them to your desired consistency, adding the butter, the half-and-half, the remaining pepper, and the remaining salt as you mash.

Step 11 -Spoon the mashed potatoes into serving bowls.

Step 12 -Top the mashed potatoes with the beef mixture and the crispy fried onions.

Step 13 -Serve.