1 lb. browned ground beef
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 can cream of mushroom soup
16 oz. green beans, canned
1 1/2 c. water
2 tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. milk
1 1/2 c. mashed potato flakes
1/2 c. Cheddar cheese, shredded

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 8 inch (2 quart) square baking dish. In a large skillet, brown ground beef and onion; drain. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper and soup. Simmer while preparing topping.

Topping: In medium saucepan, heat water, butter and salt to boiling; remove from heat. Add milk and potato flakes. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese (reserve remaining cheese for top). Spread meat mixture in prepared dish; layer with beans. Spoon potato topping over beans and swirl with back of spoon. Sprinkle with reserved cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes or until hot.

Variation: Add nutmeg to potatoes to give added flavor.