Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole 🧀🍔🍟
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with crispy French fries in one indulgent dish. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and golden fries create a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just craving something indulgent, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.
Let’s dive into how to make this deliciously easy casserole step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best : Combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with crispy fries for a fun twist.
- Quick & Easy : Simple ingredients and minimal prep make it perfect for busy nights.
- Kid-Friendly : Kids will love the combination of fries, cheese, and beef.
- Customizable : Add toppings like pickles, bacon, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Ingredients
(Serves 6–8)
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ onion , finely diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper , to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese , shredded (plus extra for topping, optional )
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen French fries (crinkle-cut or shoestring work well )
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes .
- Add the diced onion and garlic powder to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes , or until the onion is softened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, and mustard. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture and stir until melted and incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the beef, spreading it out with a spatula to cover evenly.
- Arrange the frozen French fries in an even layer on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the fries for extra cheesiness (optional ).
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes , or until the fries are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly.
- If the fries start to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with optional toppings like chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, or sliced green onions for a true cheeseburger experience.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Fries : For extra crispiness, use a bag of high-quality frozen fries or even homemade fries.
- Add Toppings : Customize with toppings like crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, or sliced pickles for added flavor.
- Make Ahead : Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
- Double the Cheese : For a cheesier casserole, mix some shredded cheese into the beef mixture before assembling.
- Switch Up Sauces : Swap cream of chicken or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
Perfect Pairings
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole pairs beautifully with:
- Side Salad : A simple green salad or coleslaw adds freshness to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Milkshakes : Serve with classic milkshakes for a fun, retro diner vibe.
- Steamed Vegetables : Roasted broccoli or green beans add a healthy touch to the meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories : ~450 kcal
- Protein : ~20g
- Carbohydrates : ~35g
- Fat : ~25g
- Fiber : ~3g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is a fun, indulgent twist on classic comfort foods that’s sure to please both kids and adults. With its layers of savory ground beef, creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy fries, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying to eat as it is easy to make.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, feeding your family, or simply craving something indulgent, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s pure comfort in every bite!