Potato and Ground Beef Gratin

Prep Time: 35 min
Total Time: 1 hour 45 min
Makes: 6 servings (1 1/2 cups each)


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)


1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Spread half of the potatoes in baking dish. Top with beef; spread remaining potatoes over beef. Pour cheese sauce over potatoes.
6. Cover with foil; bake 45 minutes. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese and the paprika 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.

I haven't made this dish yet...the meals I post are ones I have found and would like to try. I hope you enjoy this, I am curious to try this out.
I would serve this dish with dinner rolls and another veggie like green beans.