Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is a fun and tasty dish that combines two favorite meals into one delicious casserole. With juicy ground beef, creamy sauce, and crispy French fries, this dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. It’s simple to make and sure to please everyone at the table!
Why Make This Recipe
This casserole is a great choice for several reasons. First, it brings together the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger and fries in a single dish, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Second, it is easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time. Finally, it’s versatile; you can customize it with your favorite toppings or variations to make it your own.
How to Make Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen French fries
- Optional toppings: diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, or extra cheese for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, and mustard until smooth. Add this soup mixture to the skillet with the cooked beef, stirring until well mixed.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Arrange the frozen French fries evenly on top of the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the fries are golden and crispy. For a cheesy finish, sprinkle additional cheese on top and bake for another 5 minutes or until melted.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with optional toppings like diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, or lettuce.
How to Serve Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
Serve this delicious casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some coleslaw. You can also offer extra ketchup and mustard on the side for dipping.
How to Store Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
- For added flavor, try using different cheese types like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra nutrition.
- Make it even easier by using pre-cooked ground beef.
Variation
Feel free to switch up the meat! Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also use sweet potato fries for a healthier alternative to traditional French fries.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce as a substitute.
3. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, slice them into thin fries and par-cook them before adding them to the casserole.
Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Use pre-cooked ground beef for quicker preparation.
- ½ onion finely diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded Feel free to substitute with mozzarella or pepper jack.
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup Can be substituted with cream of chicken soup.
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen French fries You can use sweet potato fries for a healthier option.
- Optional toppings: diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, or extra cheese For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, and mustard until smooth. Add this soup mixture to the skillet with the cooked beef, stirring until well mixed.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Arrange the frozen French fries evenly on top of the cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the fries are golden and crispy.
- For a cheesy finish, sprinkle additional cheese on top and bake for another 5 minutes or until melted.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with optional toppings like diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, or lettuce.
