Zucchini-Beef Bake

By carvalhohm2

Ingredients

• 6 small zucchini (1 1/2 pounds)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 1/2 cups soft bread crumbs (about 2 slices)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves crushed
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 4 ounces (1 cup) sharp process American cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Preparation

Step 1

Wash and remove ends from zucchini; cut in ½-inch slices. Cook in boiling salted water for 5 minutes or till just tender; drain. In a skillet brown the meat with the onion; drain off excess fat. Stir in ½ cup bread crumbs, ¾ teaspoon salt, thyme and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Remove from heat.

In saucepan melt ¼ cup butter; blend in flour and ½ teaspoon salt. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir till mixture thickens and bubbles. Add cheese; stir till melted. Stir in meat mixture. Place half of zucchini in 2-quart baking dish; pour half of the cheese mixture on top. Repeat layers. Combine remaining bread crumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.