Old-Fashioned Potato-Beef Casserole

Ingredients

• 3 lbs red potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs

Directions

1. 1

   Place the potatoes in a large saucepan with water to cover by 1 inch.

2. 2

   Add a generous pinch of salt and cook for 15 minutes, or until tender; do not overcook.

3. 3

   Drain the potatoes and arrange them in a 9 x 9 inch casserole dish.

4. 4

   While potatoes are cooking, in large skillet, combine the beef and onion and cook together over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion softened, 12-15 minutes.

5. 5

   Pour off excess fat.

6. 6

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

7. 7

   Melt the butter in a medium saucepan and whisk in flour to make a roux.

8. 8

   Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and the flour turns light brown in color.

9. 9

   Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to stir while cooking over medium heat.

10. 10

    When the mixture thickens, whisk in the salt and pepper, then stir in the cheese and browned beef.

11. 11

    Pour the ground beef mixture over the potatoes and bake the casserole for 20 minutes until heated through and bubbling.

12. 12

    Stir the casserole gently.

13. 13

    Sprinkle a little more cheddar cheese on top, if desired, and the bread crumbs on top of the casserole and bake until the crumbs are toasted, about 5 minutes longer.