Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2

In a large skillet, add the beef and season to taste with the salt and the pepper; cook the beef while crumbling until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Drain the excess grease from the skillet, pouring the meat into a colander.

Step 4

In the same skillet, melt 1/2 cup of the butter.

Step 5

Add the flour to the melted butter mixture, whisking for 1 minute.

Step 6

Add 2 cups of the milk to the butter mixture, cooking and whisking constantly until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7

Add the remaining milk, the cooked beef, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper to the butter mixture until it has almost reached your preferred thickness of gravy, about 5 minutes. The mixture will continue to thicken as it bakes.

Step 8

Pour the meat mixture into a 13x9-inch, 3-quart baking dish.

Step 9

In a large bowl, drizzle the remaining 1/2 of melted butter over the bread crumbs, gently tossing to combine.

Step 10

Arrange the butter-coated bread cubes over the casserole.

Step 11

Bake, uncovered, until the bread cubes are golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 12

Seve immediately.