Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, filling, and perfect for busy nights. I only need basic ingredients, and the steps are beginner-friendly. It’s also a great crowd-pleaser since it combines well-known flavors in a fun, casserole-style dish that feels both cozy and indulgent.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Main Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
28-ounce bag of shoestring French fries
10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup
10.5-ounce can of cheddar cheese soup
½ yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Burger Sauce Ingredients
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon pickle juice
½ teaspoon dehydrated onions
Black pepper to taste

Directions

I start by cooking the French fries in the air fryer according to the package instructions and set them aside once they’re crispy. I then preheat the oven to 350°F.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I brown the ground beef with the diced onion until there’s no pink left. I add the minced garlic and cook it briefly until fragrant. I season everything with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then drain off the excess grease.

Next, I stir the cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup into the beef mixture until everything is evenly combined. I transfer this mixture into a 7×11 casserole dish, layer the cooked French fries on top, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything.

I bake the casserole for about 10 to 15 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

While it bakes, I mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and black pepper in a small bowl. I drizzle this burger sauce over the casserole right before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: approximately 40 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken when I want a lighter version. I also like adding diced pickles or cooked bacon to the beef mixture for extra cheeseburger flavor. For a spicy twist, I mix a little hot sauce into the burger sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using the oven at 350°F until warmed through so the fries stay as crisp as possible, but the microwave works for quicker meals.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I can prepare the beef mixture in advance and assemble the casserole just before baking to save time.

What type of fries work best?

I like shoestring fries because they crisp up quickly, but thicker fries also work with a slightly longer cooking time.

Can I freeze this casserole?

I don’t recommend freezing it fully assembled because the fries can lose their texture, but the beef mixture freezes well on its own.

Is there a substitute for the canned soups?

I sometimes use homemade cheese sauce and cream sauce if I want a less processed option.

Can I skip the burger sauce?

I can skip it, but I think it really brings the cheeseburger flavor together and makes the dish extra special.

Conclusion

This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is one of my favorite comfort meals because it’s easy, hearty, and full of familiar flavors. I love serving it for family dinners or casual gatherings, and it never fails to disappear fast from the table.

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