Cheese burger French Fry Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly satisfying Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole. This dish brings together the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger with crispy French fries, all baked to golden perfection in one hearty casserole. It's a family-friendly meal that’s both easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, guaranteed to be a hit at any dinner table.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
40-45 minutes
Servings
6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Ultimate comfort food combining two beloved classics.
- Incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for families and gatherings.
- Customizable with optional onions and pickles for authentic flavor.
- Minimal cleanup thanks to being a single-dish meal.
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 package, approximately 567 g (20 oz) frozen French fries (crinkle-cut or regular)
- 240 ml (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese or American cheese for a more classic taste
- 120 ml (½ cup) diced onions (optional)
- 120 ml (½ cup) pickles, diced (optional, for a true cheeseburger flavor)
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) ketchup
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) mustard
- 60 ml (¼ cup) mayonnaise
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) garlic powder (optional)
- 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) onion powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef. Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). In a large, deep skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat. Use a spoon or spatula to break the beef into small, uniform crumbles as it browns. Season the beef generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using), ensuring the flavors infuse into the meat. Continue cooking for about 6-7 minutes, or until the beef is thoroughly cooked through and no pink remains. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the casserole from becoming oily.
- Season and Combine. With the drained ground beef still in the skillet, add the ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. Stir these condiments thoroughly into the beef mixture until every crumble is well coated, creating that signature cheeseburger flavor profile. If you're including diced onions or pickles for an extra layer of authentic taste, stir them into the mixture at this stage. Set the flavorful beef mixture aside.
- Layer the Casserole. Take a 9×13-inch (approximately 23×33 cm) baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Evenly spread the frozen French fries across the bottom of the prepared dish. Aim for a single, uniform layer for best crisping results. Next, spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the layer of French fries, spreading it out carefully to cover all the fries as much as possible.
- Top with Cheese. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or American cheese, if preferred) over the entire surface of the beef and fries. Make sure the cheese is distributed evenly, creating a delicious, melty topping that will bind the casserole together.
- Bake to Perfection. Carefully place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the casserole is ready when the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the French fries underneath are heated through and have started to crisp up, adding delightful texture.
- Rest and Serve. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve. For an appealing finish, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately, perhaps with extra ketchup or mustard on the side for those who love a little more zing.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife (if dicing onions/pickles)
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and all grease is drained; this prevents a soggy casserole.
- For extra crispy fries, spread them in a single layer and don't overcrowd the dish.
- Use a good quality, sharp cheddar or American cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Don't skip the resting period after baking; it helps the casserole set and makes serving much neater.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To elevate the flavor profile, consider using a blend of ground beef and a small amount of ground bacon or pancetta for added depth and richness, mimicking a gourmet burger.
- For an extra layer of texture, after the cheese has melted, briefly place the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese develops a slightly browned, crispy crust. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- If you want to make this dish ahead, prepare the seasoned beef mixture and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole with fries and cheese just before baking for optimal results.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend. You can also add a layer of sautéed mushrooms with the beef for a mushroom swiss burger twist.
- Serving Suggestion: This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but a simple side salad or some steamed green beans would complement it beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweet potato fries instead of regular French fries?
Yes, absolutely! Sweet potato fries would offer a delicious twist and a slightly different flavor profile. The baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them until they are heated through and crispy.
What kind of ground beef is best for this casserole?
We recommend using ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor. However, leaner ground beef (90/10) can also be used; just ensure you add a touch of olive oil if the pan seems too dry during cooking.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the seasoned ground beef mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole with the fries and cheese just before baking to ensure the fries cook up crispy and not soggy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 550-600 per serving, Protein: 35g, Fat: 35g, Carbs: 35g. (Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and portions.)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (French fries, though some brands are gluten-free). For a gluten-free version, ensure your chosen French fries are certified gluten-free.
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