Benton's Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 -Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 3 -Place the sausage and the onion in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4 -Cook the sausage and onion, stirring often, until the sausage crumbles and is no longer pink and the onion is translucent, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 5 -Transfer the mixture to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Step 6 -Wipe the skillet clean.

Step 7 -Reduce the stove-top heat to low.

Step 8 -Add 1/4 cup of the butter to the skillet and cook, whisking often, until melted.

Step 9 -Whisk the flour into the melted butter, whisking constantly, until smooth and the raw flour smell dissipates, about 1 minute.

Step 10 -Gradually whisk in the milk.

Step 11 -Increase the heat to medium, and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is thickened and bubbly, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 12 -Whisk in the shredded cheese and cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth, about 30-40 seconds.

Step 13 -Stir in the sausage mixture, the salt, and the black pepper.

Step 14 -Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 15 -Arrange the biscuits on top of the sausage mixture.

Step 16 -Bake until the biscuits are golden brown and the gravy is bubbly, about 30-35 minutes.

Step 17 -Microwave the remaining butter in a small microwave-safe bowl until melted, about 20 seconds.

Step 18 -Transfer the casserole from the oven.

Step 19 -Brush the biscuits with the melted butter and sprinkle them with the chives.

Step 20 -Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes.

Step 21 -Serve.