Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Cheeseburger and French Fry Casserole! This easy, one-pan meal captures all the savory, juicy flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the fuss. A seasoned ground beef filling, rich with ketchup and mustard, is baked under a golden, crispy layer of french fries and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a guaranteed family favorite for any hectic weeknight.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 bag (24 oz) frozen French fries
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp ketchup
3 tbsp mustard
¼ cup dill pickle relish
Instructions
Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain off any excess grease.
Create the Creamy Filling
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, ketchup, mustard, and dill pickle relish. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the beef is coated in a thick, savory sauce.
Assemble Your Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen french fries in a single, even layer over the top of the beef mixture.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the fries are golden brown. During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the fries and return to the oven until the cheese is perfectly melted. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For Extra-Crispy Fries
To ensure the crispiest topping, pre-bake the frozen fries on a separate baking sheet for about 10 minutes while you prepare the beef filling.
Don’t Skip Draining
Draining the grease from the beef is crucial. This step prevents the casserole from becoming oily and allows the creamy flavors of the sauce to shine through.
Let it Rest
Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken and set, making it much easier to serve.
Flavor Variations
Try a spicy version by mixing in diced jalapeños and cream cheese with the beef, or go for a classic diner flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms and swapping cheddar for Swiss cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 331
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 694
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 14
- Cholesterol: 56
Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, french fry casserole, ground beef casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, one pan meal, weeknight dinner, hamburger casserole