Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

Introduction

Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup—combining the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the crispy texture of French fries in one hot, bubbling bake. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that satisfies your fast food cravings without leaving home. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this casserole is packed with creamy, cheesy, beefy goodness and topped with golden fries for a meal that’s both nostalgic and irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 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
• Shredded lettuce
• Extra cheese for garnish

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat and Sauté

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.

Step 2: Flavor the Meat

Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix thoroughly to ensure the beef is well seasoned.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, and mustard until smooth.
Pour this sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef mixture and stir to combine.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the beef and sauce mixture.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
Top with a single layer of frozen French fries, spreading them out for even baking.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
Add your favorite optional toppings like pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, or extra cheese before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Vegetarian Option: Use a plant-based meat substitute and vegetarian cream soup.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss for added flavor.
• Tater Tot Swap: Replace fries with tater tots for a similar crispy texture.

Cooking Notes

• Avoid overcooking the casserole to maintain juicy beef and crispy fries.
• You can prep the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
• Use fresh or frozen fries, but avoid pre-cooked varieties for best texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole with:

• A side of coleslaw or pickle spears
• A simple green salad with ranch dressing
• Your favorite dipping sauces like BBQ or fry sauce

It’s a hit with kids and adults alike!

Tips

• Lightly season fries with additional salt or seasoning blends before baking for extra flavor.
• Add finely diced pickles to the meat mixture for a more authentic cheeseburger taste.
• Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and serving size.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
Yes, slice them into thin wedges or matchsticks. Toss with oil and season before layering on top.

Can I freeze this casserole?
It’s best frozen before baking. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to cook time.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can substitute with cream of chicken or a homemade roux-based sauce using butter, flour, and milk.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is everything you love about burgers and fries baked into a comforting, cheesy casserole. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing an easy meal for guests, this casserole delivers all the flavor with minimal effort. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy a cozy dish that’s sure to bring everyone to the table.

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