I love making this Best Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole when I want something hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to satisfy. It combines seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and crispy golden fries all baked together in one irresistible dish. I find it perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime I crave classic cheeseburger flavors in casserole form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I appreciate how this recipe takes simple, familiar ingredients and turns them into a crowd-pleasing meal. I enjoy the layers of savory beef, creamy sauce, and crispy fries on top. It feels nostalgic and filling, yet it’s incredibly easy to prepare. I also like that I can customize it with my favorite burger toppings.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
salt
black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 small onion, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 bag frozen French fries
optional toppings: diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce
Directions
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I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned and fully cooked. I drain any excess grease.
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I season the beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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In a small bowl, I mix together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, and mustard.
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I spread the cooked beef evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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I pour the sauce mixture over the beef and spread it evenly.
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I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
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I arrange the frozen French fries in an even layer over the cheese.
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I bake for 30–35 minutes, until the fries are golden and crispy.
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I let it rest for a few minutes before adding optional toppings and serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap cheddar for a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra meltiness. When I want extra flavor. I also enjoy stirring in a bit of barbecue sauce for a smoky twist. For a spicier version, I mix in diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I prefer using the oven at 350°F to help the fries crisp back up. I can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the fries will be softer.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
I prepare the beef and sauce layer ahead of time, then add the fries and bake just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
I can slice fresh potatoes into thin strips, toss them with oil and salt, and partially bake them before layering on top.
What type of cheese works best?
I prefer sharp cheddar for bold flavor, but I can use any melting cheese I enjoy.
Can I freeze this casserole?
I freeze the beef and sauce layer separately. I add fresh fries when I’m ready to bake for better texture.
How do I keep the fries crispy?
I spread the fries in a single layer and avoid overcrowding. Baking at a high temperature also helps them stay crispy.
Conclusion
I find this Best Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole to be the ultimate comfort food. The combination of seasoned beef, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and crispy fries creates a satisfying dish that everyone enjoys. It’s a simple, dependable recipe I turn to whenever I want something warm, filling, and full of classic cheeseburger flavor.
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Best Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef, a creamy savory sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy golden fries baked on top. It brings all the classic cheeseburger flavors together in one easy, crowd-pleasing casserole.
- Author: Lizaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 (24 oz) bag frozen French fries
- Optional toppings: diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Season the beef with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a small bowl, mix together cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, and mustard until smooth.
- Spread the cooked beef evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Arrange frozen French fries in a single even layer over the cheese.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until fries are golden and crispy.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before adding optional toppings and serving.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor or mix with mozzarella for extra meltiness.
- Add barbecue sauce for a smoky twist or jalapeños for heat.
- Prepare the beef and sauce layer ahead; add fries just before baking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven to help fries crisp back up.
- Freeze the beef layer separately and add fresh fries when ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
