Trisha's Old Fashioned Potato Beef Casserole

Found this recipe on Trisha Yearwood's show.  The only thing I would do differently next time is to add fewer potatoes.  I only used 2 pounds of potatoes and it was too much for me. So, I will give the recipe like I would do it next time. I did not really like this recipe, so I probably won't make it again.



Printable Recipe Ingredients:
1 pound of red potatoes
Salt
Vegetable oil, to coat the pan
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 onion, chopped
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Black pepper
2 cups milk
2 cups grated sharp Cheddar
1/2 cup unseasoned dry breadcrumbs
Method:
Place the potatoes in a large saucepan with water to cover by 1 inch. Add a generous pinch of salt and cook for 15 minutes, or until tender. Potatoes cook quickly. Test often for tenderness and don't overcook them.
Drain the potatoes and arrange in a 6 X 9 casserole dish.

In a large skillet, add a little oil to coat the pan. Combine the beef and onion and cook together over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion softened, about 10 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and the flour turns light brown in color. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to stir while cooking over medium heat. When the mixture thickens, season with salt and pepper, then stir in the cheese and browned beef and onion mixture.

Pour the ground beef mixture over the potatoes and bake for 20 minutes, until heated through and bubbling. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top of the casserole and bake until the crumbs are toasted, about 5 minutes longer.