Ribeye Steak with Caramelized Onions and Mashed Potatoes – the ultimate comfort dinner!

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Potatoes for the Mash**
Start by placing your peeled and chopped potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt, then bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

#### 2. **Caramelize the Onions**
While the potatoes are cooking, let’s get started on the caramelized onions. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and sugar (if using). Stir occasionally, and let the onions cook low and slow for about 20-30 minutes. The key to great caramelized onions is patience—let them turn golden brown and sweetly fragrant. If you like, splash in a little balsamic vinegar toward the end for extra depth of flavor. When done, remove the onions from the heat and set aside.

#### 3. **Cook the Ribeye Steaks**
Now it’s time to cook the star of the show—the ribeye steaks! Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This will help achieve a perfect sear. Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Heat a large skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter is foamy, add the steaks to the pan. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, without moving them, until a nice golden crust forms. Flip the steaks and add the smashed garlic cloves and fresh thyme to the pan. Spoon some of the melted butter and oil over the steaks to baste them, which will add flavor and keep them juicy. Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak cooked more.

Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.

#### 4. **Mash the Potatoes**
While the steaks are resting, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the heavy cream (or milk) and butter, and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like your mashed potatoes extra creamy, feel free to add a little more cream or butter. For some added flair, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

#### 5. **Assemble the Plate**
To serve, place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate. Top with a perfectly cooked ribeye steak, and then pile on the sweet caramelized onions. The combination of the tender, juicy steak, the savory-sweet onions, and the creamy mashed potatoes is simply unbeatable.

### Why This Dinner Is the Ultimate Comfort Meal:
– **Rich, Bold Flavors**: The ribeye steak, with its marbled fat and rich flavor, is the perfect complement to the sweet, caramelized onions. Add in the creamy mashed potatoes, and you have a meal that feels like a hug in every bite.
– **Texture Heaven**: The crispy exterior and tender interior of the ribeye, paired with the melt-in-your-mouth onions and smooth mashed potatoes, create a symphony of textures that make each bite a joy.
– **Classic Comfort**: This meal is pure comfort food in its most delicious form. It brings together some of the best-loved ingredients, making it a timeless choice for dinner.

### Tips for Success:
– **Steak Doneness**: If you’re unsure about the doneness of your steak, using a meat thermometer is a foolproof way to ensure the perfect cook. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130°F (54°C). For medium, aim for 140°F (60°C).
– **Resting the Steak**: Don’t skip the resting step! Letting your steak rest before cutting into it ensures that all the juices stay inside, making each bite tender and flavorful.
– **Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes**: You can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and keep them warm in a covered dish in the oven on low heat. Just give them a quick stir and adjust the seasoning before serving.
– **Caramelized Onion Variations**: You can make your caramelized onions even more flavorful by adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of thyme during the cooking process. These little touches elevate the taste even further!

### Final Thoughts:
This Ribeye Steak with Caramelized Onions and Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort dinner that brings together hearty flavors and satisfying textures in a way that makes you want to take another bite with every forkful. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy night at home, this meal is guaranteed to leave you feeling full and content. The ribeye is tender and flavorful, the onions sweet and rich, and the mashed potatoes as creamy as can be. What more could you ask for? Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this perfect comfort meal—you won’t regret it!