This was a really good basic recipe that can be easily modify to suit your tastes and get creative with. I used the basic recipe and added carrots and used fresh mushrooms. To give it more kick and flavor, I added about 2 Tablespoons of Frank's hot sauce and some Herbs De Provence, about 1/4 teaspoon of paprika in addition to the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, salt/pepper. I also added in some irish style pork sausage to the beef to add to the flavors. I drained as much grease as I could before baking. I also added a little more cheese to the cheese sauce and instead of 1 cup of cheese, I used 1 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Next time I will add in some asparagus. I put salt/pepper/herbs de provence over the bottom and top layers of potato (and sliced carrots). She doesn't mention greasing the pan, which I did lightly with some olive oil. My husband absolutely loved this meal.