Hearty Beef and Potato Bake by Jackie

Ingredients: 

This is what it looks like before adding the topping.
I didn't have a picture of it with the cheese and onions. 

2 cups cooked ground beef
3/4 c. chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp. pepper
16 oz. bag frozen, mixed vegetables
1 18 oz. jar beef gravy
6 cups hot mashed potatoes (I made them in the slowcooker with this recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/vs-do-ahead-slow-cooker-mashed-potatoes-196153)
2 cups French's fried onions, divided
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Assembly: 
Brown ground beef with 3/4 c. chopped onion and garlic.
Mix 1/2 cup of fried onions and 1 cup of cheese into the potatoes.
Spread potato mixture in the bottom and on the sides of a greased 9"x13" aluminum pan to form a shell.
Mix gravy, meat, veggies and seasonings together and pour into potato shell.
Cover and freeze.
Place remaining cheese and fried onions in separate small freezer bags.

Serving Day:
Thaw completely.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until heated through.
Top with remaining cheese and fried onions.
Bake for 3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and onions are golden brown.