Cooking this dish is like weaving a tapestry of flavors, much like the way stories were woven around Mama Lou’s table. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a casserole that brings warmth and joy:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and milk, mixing until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
5. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the beef mixture over the potatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and beef mixture.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and the memories it brings to your table.