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Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
Craving the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger and crispy fries but don’t want to fire up the grill? My Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole combines the best of both worlds into one comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
This hearty casserole layers seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and everyone’s favorite burger toppings, all crowned with a golden layer of crispy french fries. It’s like visiting your favorite diner without leaving your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This
- One-dish meal that combines two comfort food favorites
- Kid-friendly recipe that even picky eaters will devour
- Make-ahead friendly – prepare the beef mixture earlier in the day
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings
- Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 28-ounce bag shoestring French fries
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon dried onion flakes
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer and cook the shoestring French fries according to package directions until golden and crispy. If you don't have an air fryer, bake them in a 425°F oven following package instructions.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 7×11 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking for 8-10 minutes while breaking up the meat until no pink remains and onions are softened.
- Add minced garlic to the beef mixture and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add both cans of soup (cream of mushroom and cheddar cheese) to the beef mixture. Stir until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the cooked French fries, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the fries are heated through.
- While the casserole bakes, whisk together all burger sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Drizzle the sauce over the hot casserole before serving, or serve it on the side for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of this casserole
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon on top for a bacon cheeseburger experience
- Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or American for different flavor profiles
- Add a layer of sliced pickles before baking for authentic burger flavor
- Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture
- For extra crunch, use waffle fries or tater tots instead of standard french fries
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. For the full burger experience, offer small bowls of additional burger toppings like sliced pickles, diced onions, and extra ketchup and mustard on the side.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of iced tea or your favorite soda for a complete diner-style meal at home.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or for best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain some crispness in the fries.
- The casserole is done when the fries are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is completely melted.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the beef mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature, then add the cheese and fries before baking.
Can I use homemade french fries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using homemade fries, partially cook them first before adding to the casserole to ensure they’ll be fully cooked and crispy.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
I don’t recommend freezing the assembled casserole as the fries will lose their texture. However, you can freeze the cooked beef mixture for up to 3 months and assemble with fresh fries when ready to bake.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (many brands contain malt vinegar), and verify that your frozen french fries don’t contain any gluten ingredients or cross-contamination.
Servings6
Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Calories565 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 28-ounce bag shoestring French fries
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon dried onion flakes
- Black pepper to taste
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer and cook the shoestring French fries according to package directions until golden and crispy. If you don't have an air fryer, bake them in a 425°F oven following package instructions.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 7x11 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking for 8-10 minutes while breaking up the meat until no pink remains and onions are softened.
- Add minced garlic to the beef mixture and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add both cans of soup (cream of mushroom and cheddar cheese) to the beef mixture. Stir until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the cooked French fries, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the fries are heated through.
- While the casserole bakes, whisk together all burger sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Drizzle the sauce over the hot casserole before serving, or serve it on the side for dipping.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 565 kcal
