1 1⁄2 lb ground beef, or bulk Italian sausage meat (can increase the ground beef slightly)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped (optional)
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1⁄2 tsp red pepper flakes, adjust to taste (optional)
1 tsp seasoning salt, or white salt
1⁄2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
5 to 6 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly (or use as many as desired)
2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 can (10 3/4 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted (using any other flavor of soup will not be as good)
1 small onion, chopped (about 1/3 cup)
3⁄4 cup light cream
1⁄2 cup sour cream
1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp garlic powder
1⁄2 tsp seasoning salt
1 black pepper, freshly ground (to taste)