This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty ground beef, crispy fries, melty cheddar cheese, and a tangy burger sauce. It’s a satisfying and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering. If you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, this casserole will become your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is like a cheeseburger and fries all in one dish. The crispy fries and savory ground beef create the perfect base, while the creamy soup mixture adds richness. The addition of melted cheddar cheese and a tangy burger sauce gives it that classic burger flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make, and everyone loves it. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and comforting meal, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
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2 pounds ground beef
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28-ounce bag of shoestring French fries
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10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup
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10.5-ounce can of cheddar cheese soup
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½ yellow onion, diced
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1 tablespoon minced garlic
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½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
Burger Sauce Ingredients:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup ketchup
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1 tablespoon mustard
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1 teaspoon pickle juice
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½ teaspoon dehydrated onions
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Black pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Fries:
Preheat your air fryer and cook the French fries according to the package instructions. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in the oven as directed on the package.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onions until no pink remains. Add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds, until fragrant. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease from the beef.
3. Combine the Soups:
Mix the cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup into the beef mixture, stirring until well combined. The soup will create a creamy base for the casserole.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the beef and soup mixture into a 7×11-inch casserole dish. Layer the cooked French fries on top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Prepare the Burger Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and combined.
7. Serve:
Drizzle the prepared burger sauce over the casserole just before serving for an added burst of flavor.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 6 servings
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of French fries?
Yes! You can use any type of frozen French fries you prefer. Shoestring fries are ideal because they get crispy and cook quickly, but you can also use crinkle-cut or waffle fries if you like.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature and then bake as directed. It can also be frozen before baking—just be sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, try mixing in a little hot sauce, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes into the beef mixture before assembling the casserole.
Can I use a different soup for the base?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup with other creamy soups, like cream of chicken or cream of celery, to suit your preference.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
If you want a creamier burger sauce, you can add a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra richness.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure you use gluten-free French fries and check the soup labels to make sure they’re gluten-free. Many cream soups are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always good to double-check.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is a comforting, hearty meal that combines all the flavors of a cheeseburger in an easy-to-make, baked casserole. With crispy fries, savory beef, creamy soups, and melty cheese, it’s a dish that will please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite!
Print
Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole combines savory ground beef, crispy French fries, gooey cheddar cheese, and a tangy burger sauce for a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s a perfect comfort food dish that’s great for family dinners or casual gatherings!
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
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon dehydrated onions
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries: Preheat the air fryer and cook the French fries according to package instructions, or bake them in the oven if preferred.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onions until no pink remains. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, until fragrant. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine the Soups: Mix the cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup into the beef mixture, stirring until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and soup mixture into a 7×11 casserole dish. Layer the cooked French fries on top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake the casserole at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prepare the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Serve: Drizzle the burger sauce over the casserole just before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the French fries in the oven as directed on the package.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce to the burger sauce or sprinkle chili flakes over the casserole.
- You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Unknown
- Sugar: Unknown
- Sodium: Unknown
- Fat: Unknown
- Saturated Fat: Unknown
- Unsaturated Fat: Unknown
- Trans Fat: Unknown
- Carbohydrates: Unknown
- Fiber: Unknown
- Protein: Unknown
- Cholesterol: Unknown
