Oven-Easy Beef & Potato Dinner

This is something that Andrew and I have liked since we first tried it. We actually just had it last night for dinner.

4 c. frozen hash browns, thawed
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1 lb ground beef
1 c. water
1 pkg. brown gravy mix (about 3/4 oz.)
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 (2.8 oz) can French's fried onions, divided

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a 12 x 8 inch baking dish, combine potatos, oil, salt & pepper. Firmly press mixture evenly across bottom andup sides of dish to form a shell. Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, brown ground beef; drain. Stir in watter, gravy mix and garlic salt; bring to a boil. Add mixed vegetables; reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 can fried onions; spoon into hot potato shell. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and onions; bake, uncovered 5 minutes or until onions are golden brown.