French Fry Casserole Bake is a fun and delicious dish that brings comfort food to a new level. It is a hearty meal that combines the classic flavors of seasoned ground beef, creamy soups, and cheese, all layered with crispy French fries. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or when you have friends over. Everyone will love digging into this cheesy, savory bake!
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Why Make This Recipe
You should make this recipe because it is simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying. French Fry Casserole Bake uses easily accessible ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, making it a convenient option for busy nights. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! This dish is not only tasty but also fun to eat, especially for kids. You can serve it as a main or enjoy it as a side dish at gatherings.
How to Make French Fry Casserole Bake
Follow these easy steps to create your French Fry Casserole Bake:
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen crinkle-cut French fries
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup
- 2 tablespoons half and half
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated (divided into 1 cup and 2 cups)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, salt, and pepper; cook until the onions are soft.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, half and half, and Worcestershire sauce.
- In a greased baking dish, spread half of the frozen French fries in an even layer.
- Pour the beef mixture over the fries.
- Top with the remaining French fries and sprinkle with 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
- Bake for about 30–35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve French Fry Casserole Bake
You can serve French Fry Casserole Bake straight from the oven. Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy it as is. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables. For an extra touch, feel free to add some ketchup or ranch dressing on the side!
How to Store French Fry Casserole Bake
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions. Make sure to wrap it well in freezer-safe packaging to avoid freezer burn.
Tips to Make French Fry Casserole Bake
- Use a mix of cheeses for added flavor, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
- For a crunchier topping, consider broiling the casserole for a few minutes at the end of baking.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables into the beef mixture, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to make it even more nutritious.
Variation
You can easily customize this dish! For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. You can also use sweet potato fries for a unique twist. If you want a vegetarian option, replace the meat with black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef-based soups.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of fries?
Yes! You can use any type of frozen fries, such as steak fries, waffle fries, or even tater tots.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
3. How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. Make sure the center is warm before serving.
Enjoy your cooking and the deliciousness of French Fry Casserole Bake!
French Fry Casserole Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen crinkle-cut French fries
- 2 pounds lean ground beef Cook until browned
- ½ cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped Add to ground beef mixture
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup
- 2 tablespoons half and half
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated Divided into 1 cup and 2 cups for topping
Seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, salt, and pepper; cook until the onions are soft.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, half and half, and Worcestershire sauce.
Assembly
- In a greased baking dish, spread half of the frozen French fries in an even layer.
- Pour the beef mixture over the fries.
- Top with the remaining French fries and sprinkle with 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
Baking
- Bake for about 30–35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
