Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe

Irresistible Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe for Families

Cheeseburger French fry casserole blends iconic burger elements into a mouthwatering baked masterpiece.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore this innovative culinary creation that reimagines classic diner flavors.

Crispy potato layers mingle with seasoned ground meat and gooey cheese, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Every forkful promises a nostalgic journey through familiar and beloved ingredients.

Home cooks seeking crowd-pleasing meals will appreciate this straightforward yet delectable recipe.

Families craving a simple dinner solution will find this casserole both convenient and irresistible.

Prepare to craft weeknight meals with this delightful fusion of beloved flavors.

Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole: A Family Favorite

  • Devour the Ultimate Comfort Combo: This casserole brilliantly merges classic cheeseburger flavors with crispy french fries, creating a single-dish meal that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: With only 30 minutes total cooking time and simple ingredients, busy home cooks can whip up a crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a restaurant-style indulgence.
  • Customizable Flavor Adventure: Top the casserole with classic burger fixings like pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes, allowing each person to personalize their slice with favorite garnishes and textures.
  • Protein-Packed Hearty Meal: Packed with 30 grams of protein and substantial beef base, this dish provides robust nutrition and keeps hunger at bay, making it perfect for active families and hungry teenagers.

Key Ingredients for Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Lean and flavorful meat that forms the hearty base of the casserole, with good fat content for rich taste.
  • Steak Sauce: Adds depth and tangy flavor to the ground beef mixture, enhancing overall seasoning.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates a golden, gooey topping with rich flavor.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy binder that adds moisture and rich umami flavor to the beef layer.
Potato and Accompaniments:
  • Frozen French Fries: Crispy potato base that provides a convenient and crunchy foundation for the casserole.
  • Pickles: Tangy topping that adds zesty crunch and brightness.
  • Lettuce: Fresh garnish that brings crisp texture.
  • Tomatoes: Juicy topping that provides fresh, bright flavor.
  • Onions: Sharp and crunchy garnish that adds extra flavor complexity.

How to Make Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy French Fries

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a baking sheet and spread the frozen french fries in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Cook the Savory Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat. Stir in:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Steak sauce

Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Create the Casserole Base

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 4: Layer and Top the Casserole

Arrange the baked french fries on top of the beef mixture. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the fries.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve hot with optional toppings such as:
  • Pickle slices
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped onions

Enjoy this ultimate comfort food that combines the best of a cheeseburger and french fries in one delicious dish!

Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

  • Crisp Fries Perfectly: Spread frozen fries in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure maximum crispiness and even baking.
  • Control Meat Moisture: Thoroughly drain ground beef after browning to prevent excess grease and maintain a rich, concentrated flavor.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Let casserole rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a beautiful golden-brown top.
  • Flavor Boost: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or smoked cheddar to elevate the classic cheeseburger taste.
  • Customize Toppings: Add fresh, cold toppings like chopped lettuce or diced tomatoes right before serving to create a contrast with the hot casserole.

Storing and Reheating Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

  • Storing and Reheating Leftovers
  • Refrigerate casserole in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, this dish keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. When ready to reheat, opt for the oven method to maintain the fries' crispiness. Preheat oven to 350°F and cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to help cheese re-melt and restore some crispiness. Microwave works in a pinch, but may soften the fries' texture. For best results, reheat individual portions on a baking sheet to help retain the original crispy texture.

Pairing Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole with Salads

  • Craft a Crispy Cold Beer Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a refreshing amber lager or hoppy IPA to cut through the richness of the beef and cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors that complement the crispy fries.
  • Mix Up a Zesty Side Salad: Toss together a light, tangy green salad with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a zippy vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast to the heavy, comforting casserole.
  • Create a Creamy Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick homemade burger sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickles to serve alongside the casserole, adding an extra layer of classic cheeseburger flavor that guests will love.
  • Pour a Fizzy Soda Splash: Serve an ice-cold cola or root beer to enhance the classic diner-style meal, with its sweet carbonation perfectly cutting through the rich, savory elements of the dish.

Fun Variations of Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

  • Southwestern Spice Sensation: Replace steak sauce with salsa, add taco seasoning to ground beef, top with pepper jack cheese, and garnish with jalapeños for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Mix ground lamb instead of beef, incorporate dried oregano and mint, use feta cheese, and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Bacon Cheeseburger Upgrade: Crumble crispy bacon over the beef layer, use smoky bacon cheddar cheese, and add crispy bacon bits on top for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles, add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers, use dairy-free cheese for a meatless alternative that's packed with vegetables.
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Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe

Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole delivers pure comfort with layered ground beef, crispy fries, and melted cheese. Home cooks will devour this hearty midwestern dish that combines classic burger flavors in a convenient, crowd-pleasing baked format.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef

Starch Base:

  • 20 ounces (567 grams) frozen crinkle-cut French fries

Cheese and Sauce:

  • 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cans (10.5 ounces or 298 grams each) cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 teaspoons steak sauce

Optional Serving Toppings:

  • Pickles
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Chopped onions

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with a light coating of cooking spray or oil.
  2. Arrange frozen french fries in a single, uncrowded layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap to achieve maximum crispiness. Roast for 18-22 minutes until golden and crunchy.
  3. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any accumulated fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish.
  4. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and stir in cream of mushroom soup and steak sauce. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and slightly thicken.
  5. Transfer the seasoned beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a uniform base.
  6. Carefully arrange the crispy baked french fries in an even layer directly over the beef mixture, covering the entire surface.
  7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, ensuring complete coverage of the fries.
  8. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbly.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-4 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped pickles, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions to enhance flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Prep this crowd-pleasing casserole ahead of time by assembling ingredients and refrigerating until ready to bake.
  • Customize the dish with your favorite burger toppings for a personalized twist on classic comfort food.
  • Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating beautifully in the oven.
  • Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to suit dietary preferences and create a lighter version.
  • Keep French fries crispy by patting them dry before baking and avoiding overcrowding on the baking sheet.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 670 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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