BEEF & POTATOES AU GRATIN

4 cups water
3 med potatoes, cut into 1/4" slices (about 3 cups)
1 lb lean ground beef
1 med stalk celery, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
3 tbs butter OR margarine
3 tbs flour
1 tbs chopped fresh OR 1 tsp dried chervil leaves
1 tsp yellow mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups milk
1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheese (5 oz)
3 tbs chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 tbs chopped fresh parsley
2 tsp butter OR margarine, melted

heat oven to 375°. heat water and potatoes to boiling in a 2 1/2 qt saucepan; reduce heat to medium. cook uncovered 8-10 minutes or just until potatoes are tender; drain. set aside.

while potatoes are cooking, cook ground beef and celery in a 10" skillet over medium heat 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is brown; drain. remove beef mixture from skillet; set aside.

melt 3 tbs butter in the same skillet over medium heat. stir flour, chervil, mustard, salt and pepper into butter. cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly; remove from heat. stir in milk. heat to boiling, stirring constantly. boil & stir 1 minute. stir in cheese until melted. stir in 3 tbs parsley.

layer half of the potatoes in an ungreased 2-qt casserole. layer with beef mixture and remaining potatoes. pour cheese sauce over potatoes. bake uncovered 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

mix bread crumbs, 1 tbs parsley & 2 tsp melted butter; sprinkle over potatoes. bake about 5 minutes longer or until crumbs are brown & crisp. let stand 5 minutes before serving.

4 servings

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