Smothered Ground Beef & Potato Bake with Homemade Gravy

Ingredients

• 8-9 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/4-1/2 inch thick
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter or oil
• 3 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tsp beef bouillon powder
• 1 tsp CWT all-purpose seasoning
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 1/2 cups warm beef broth
• 1 tsp beef bouillon (optional)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp CWT all-purpose seasoning
• 1 tsp browning sauce
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella or Colby-Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. Peel and slice potatoes 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
3. Season potatoes with salt and black pepper.
4. Melt 2 tbsp butter or heat oil in a pan.
5. Cook ground beef with diced onions and garlic until browned.
6. Add onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, beef bouillon powder, and CWT seasoning to beef mixture.
7. In a separate pot, melt 4 tbsp butter and whisk in 4 tbsp flour to make a roux.
8. Gradually add warm beef broth to roux, whisking until smooth and thickened.
9. Add optional beef bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, CWT seasoning, and browning sauce to gravy.
10. Layer half the potatoes in a baking dish.
11. Spread cooked ground beef mixture over potatoes.
12. Pour homemade brown gravy over beef layer.
13. Top with remaining potatoes.
14. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Colby-Jack and grated parmesan cheese on top.
15. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
16. Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.
17. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.