Hey y'all! If you love the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger and crispy golden French fries, you're going to fall head over heels for this Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole. It's a hearty, cheesy, and downright irresistible dinner that's quick to prep and perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or family gatherings. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just want a fun twist on comfort food, this Casserole delivers all the savory goodness you crave. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Combines two favorites—cheeseburgers and fries—into one dish.
- Kid-friendly and always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
- Quick prep with frozen French fries saves time in the kitchen.
- Versatile—easy to tweak with your favorite burger toppings.
- Perfect for leftovers with easy storage and reheating.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb (680g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 (10.5 oz/298g) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (28 oz/795g) bag frozen French fries (crinkle cut or shoestring)
- Optional: sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, cooked crispy bacon, or green onions for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33cm) Casserole dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and cooked through (6–7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Stir in ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper into the cooked beef mixture. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish. In a small bowl, whisk together condensed cheese soup and milk until smooth. Pour evenly over the beef. Sprinkle 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Add French Fries
Arrange frozen French fries in a single layer over the cheese and beef mixture.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the fries. Return to oven for 3–5 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Let casserole cool for 5 minutes, then top with pickles, diced tomatoes, green onions, or crispy bacon if desired. Scoop and serve warm!
Notes
- For extra crispy fries, use thin shoestring fries and don’t overcrowd the top layer.
- Browning your beef well boosts its savory flavor and texture.
- Make it ahead: assemble up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.
Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Stir ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon into the beef mixture.
- Spicy Version: Add ¼ cup chopped pickled jalapeños to the beef or use pepper jack cheese.
- Veggie-Loaded: Mix in 1 cup diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion and beef.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9x13-inch (23x33cm) casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a fresh green salad or crisp coleslaw for a contrast in textures.
- Pair with dill pickles, ketchup, or your favorite burger sauce on the side.
- For a fun twist, top with extra burger toppings like chopped onions or shredded lettuce after baking.
Pro Tips
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing to help it set up for neater servings.
- Use sharp cheddar for extra cheddar flavor punch and gooey melt.
- For super crispy fries, broil for the last 2–3 minutes of baking—just watch closely!
FAQ
Can I use tater tots instead of French fries?
Absolutely! Tater tots will deliver a similar crispiness and make a fun swap for fries in this recipe.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 12 hours ahead; just add fries and bake before serving.
What cheese works best for this casserole?
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives the best flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different twist.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 bag (20 oz) frozen French fries
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon chopped pickles (optional, for topping)
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
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3Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined and heated through.
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4Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
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5Arrange the frozen French fries on top in an even layer. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crispy.
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6Remove casserole from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese, and return to the oven for 5 minutes until cheese is melted. Top with chopped pickles if desired and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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