Savory French Ground Beef and Mashed Potato Bake

Peel and dice the potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until very tender.

While potatoes cook, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large oven-safe pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, draining any excess fat. Stir in tomato paste, fresh thyme, a pinch of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

Drain the cooked potatoes. Return them to the pot and mash thoroughly with a potato masher. Add milk and butter, mashing until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer the beef mixture to an oven-safe baking dish if not already in one. Spread it evenly at the bottom. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them smoothly over the beef.

Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the mashed potatoes. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Serve hot.