1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. This should take another 5-7 minutes.
3. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet, then return it to the heat. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This slow simmering is where the magic happens, just like the long, lazy afternoons of storytelling on the porch.
5. Add the frozen peas to the skillet, stirring to combine, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the peas are heated through.
6. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the beef mixture, cover the skillet, and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

As you stir the pot, remember how Mama Lu would always say, “Cooking is just like telling a story — it’s the love you weave in that makes it unforgettable.”