1️⃣ Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2️⃣ Cook the ground beef:

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain off any excess fat.

3️⃣ Layer the casserole:

Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes at the bottom of the greased baking dish. If using, scatter a few onion slices on top.

Spread the browned ground beef evenly over the potatoes.

4️⃣ Add the cream of mushroom soup:

Spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the beef and potatoes, spreading it out to cover the layers evenly.

5️⃣ Top with cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of the casserole.

6️⃣ Bake covered:

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

7️⃣ Bake uncovered:

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on top.

8️⃣ Serve:

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot!