1. Preheat the oven and prepare your dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a dab of butter to prevent sticking. (Nothing worse than a delicious casserole that’s hard to scoop out!)

2. Brown the beef and sauté the veggies

Heat up your skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once it’s browned, add in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften up and the flavors meld together.

Tip: I sometimes add a pinch of salt while cooking the veggies—it helps draw out their moisture and enhances their flavor.

3. Mix the cream sauce

In a small bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Add a bit of salt and pepper to taste. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika for an extra kick.

4. Layer the potatoes

In your greased casserole dish, arrange the potato slices in two even layers, seasoning each layer lightly with salt and pepper. Don’t worry if they overlap a little; it adds to the rustic feel!

5. Add the beef and veggie mix

Now, spread the ground beef and vegetable mixture over the potatoes. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly so every bite has a bit of meat and veggies.

6. Pour on the cream sauce

Take your soup mixture and pour it over the beef and veggies, making sure to cover everything well. This sauce is what’s going to make it all creamy and delicious.

7. Top with cheese and bake

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

8. Finish with French fried onions

Once the casserole looks golden and ready, pull it out and sprinkle a handful of French fried onions over the top. Pop it back in the oven for another 5 minutes to let the onions crisp up.

9. Cool and serve

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before you dig in. (This helps it set a bit so it’s easier to serve.) Garnish with sliced green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color.