Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe
Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with crispy baked French fries. Ground beef is seasoned and mixed with classic burger condiments, layered over a bed of frozen fries, and topped with melty cheddar cheese before baking until bubbly and golden. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare and delivers a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Cheese
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or American cheese for a more classic taste)
Vegetables and Toppings
- ½ cup diced onions (optional)
- ½ cup pickles, diced (optional, for a true cheeseburger flavor)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Condiments and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Other
- 1 package (about 20 oz) frozen French fries (crinkle-cut or regular)
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder if using. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Condiments: Stir ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise into the cooked beef mixture. Mix well to combine. If using diced onions or pickles, fold them into the mixture now. Set aside.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the frozen French fries evenly over the bottom of the dish. Pour the beef mixture over the fries and spread evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the beef and fries, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the fries are crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Offer additional ketchup or mustard on the side if preferred.
Notes
- For crispier fries, pre-bake the frozen fries slightly before assembling the casserole.
- Customize by mixing different cheeses or adding a cheese layer at the bottom for extra cheesiness.
- Add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for texture and flavor.
- To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños into the beef mixture or sprinkle chili flakes on top before baking.
- Serve with a fresh green salad, pickles, coleslaw, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian ground meat for a lighter or meatless option.
- Use tater tots instead of French fries for a fun variation.
- Mayonnaise can be swapped with sour cream or Greek yogurt if preferred.
Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, French fry casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, easy dinner recipe
