Ingredients
Method
Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or non-stick spray.
Prepare the Hamburger Mixture:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Drain any excess fat and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Roast the Fall Vegetables:
- Combine sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, and parsnips in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes until slightly tender.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in nutmeg (if using) and half the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Bake:
- Layer the roasted vegetables over the hamburger mixture in the baking dish.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the top, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the sauce.
Bake the Dish:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve:
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze cooked leftovers for up to 2 months.