Preheat oven to 350.

Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat with 3 tbs of olive oil. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and salt and pepper. Cook until the onion begins to sweat about 3 minutes. Stir regularly. Add the beef and season with additional salt and pepper if desired and the herbs. Cook until the beef is brown about 10 minutes. Pull out bay leaves and discard. Stir in tomato paste and continue stirring until the tomato paste melts. Add the peas and carrots, stir. Remove from heat. Spread out a layer of potatoes on top of the meat and veggies. Bake for 20 minutes. Top with cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese turns golden. Serve hot, and enjoy.