4 c. frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
3 tbsp. vegetable oil
1/8 tsp. black pepper
2 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 c. water
1 pkg. brown gravy mix
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen vegetables
1 c. (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
1 (2.8 oz.) can Durkee French fried onions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In an 8x12 baking dish combine potatoes, oil and pepper. Firmly press potato mixture evenly across bottom and up sides of dish to form a shell. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, brown ground beef. Drain; stir in water, gravy mix, and garlic salt. Bring to a boil. Add vegetables; reduce heat to medium and cook uncovered 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and French fried onions.

Spoon into shell of potatoes. Reduce oven to 350 degrees and bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until heated through. Top with more cheese and French fried onions and bake uncovered until onions are golden brown.