Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or chicken over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed soup, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Add the cooked meat and onion mixture to the soup mixture. If using any optional vegetables or bacon bits, stir them in now.
Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Let it stand for a few minutes before serving.
