Beef n' Tater Bake

[HomeMakin94]

This is one of the first recipes I tried as a newly married woman, married to a meat & potatoes guy.  It's a completely simple recipe, but he loved it, and we've been enjoying it ever since!  :-)

1 lb. ground sirloin

1/2 packet Lipton French onion soup mix

1 cup bread crumbs

1 egg

5 - 6 Idaho potatoes

1 cup milk

1/2 stick butter

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 400 F.  In a large mixing bowl, mix first 4 ingredients well.  Press into a 9" X 9"  glass, square baking pan.  Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until meat juices are running clear, and it's no longer pink in the middle.

While that's baking, peel, dice, and boil the potatoes until tender; drain.  Mash well and mix with milk, butter, salt and pepper.  Set aside.

When meat is done, place a large wire rack over the top of the dish; holding it tightly in place over the dish, turn over baking dish to drain the fat.  Turn back over and place on the counter.  Spread mashed potatoes over meat; sprinkle with cheese. 

Bake an additional 10 - 15 minutes, until cheese is melted.  Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Serves 4 - 6.