Potato and Ground Beef Gratin

By Late2Serenity

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 3 cups milk
• 3 cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese (12 oz)
• 6 medium white potatoes (2 1/2 lb), peeled, thinly sliced (6 cups)

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.

In 10-inch skillet, cook beef, salt and pepper over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain.

Meanwhile, in 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add onion; cook about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Stir in flour. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in thyme.

Stir milk into onion mixture. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups of the cheese until melted.

Spread half of the potatoes in baking dish. Top with beef; spread remaining potatoes over beef. Pour cheese sauce over potatoes.

Cover with foil; bake 45 minutes. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese over potatoes. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes longer or until top is brown and bubbly and potatoes are tender. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.