Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Grease a 2-quart baking dish.

Step 3

In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp.

Step 4

Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and reserve 1 teaspoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet.

Step 5

Cook the beef in the bacon drippings until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the excess grease.

Step 6

In a bowl, toss the mushrooms, the onion, the carrot, and the celery in the flour.

Step 7

Add the veggie mixture, the broth, the Worcestershire sauce, the tarragon, and the pepper to the meat mixture and bring to a boil.

Step 8

Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the veggies are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 9

Stir the cooked bacon into the meat mixture and transfer it to the prepared baking dish.

Step 10

In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and 1/2 cup of the cheese.

Step 11

Spread the potato mixture over the beef mixture.

Step 12

Sprinkle the potato mixture with the paprika and the remaining cheese.

Step 13

Bake, uncovered, until it is heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

Step 14

Broil the casserole 4 inches from the heat source until bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Step 15

Serve.