There’s just something about a casserole that wraps you in a warm, cozy hug, isn’t there? It’s like the ultimate comfort food. Now, if you’re looking for a dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the crispy goodness of french fries, then you’ve hit the jackpot with this cheeseburger french fry casserole! I remember the first time I made this for my family—it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something hearty and satisfying. The moment I pulled it out of the oven, the melty cheese and savory aroma filled the kitchen, and I could hardly wait for everyone to dig in. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be hooked on its delightful combination of flavors and textures! It’s truly a meal that brings everyone together.
Ingredients for Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe
- 1 pound ground beef – make sure to use lean beef to keep it juicy!
- 1 onion, chopped – adds a wonderful sweetness when sautéed.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – because what’s a cheeseburger without cheese?
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – this gives the casserole its creamy texture.
- 1 cup milk – helps to thin out the soup and create a luscious filling.
- 4 cups frozen french fries – the star of the show, adding that crispy crunch!
- 1 tablespoon ketchup – a classic cheeseburger flavor.
- 1 tablespoon mustard – adds a tangy kick!
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season well for maximum flavor!
How to Prepare Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and toasty for baking!
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on it and break up the meat as it cooks for even browning.
- Once everything’s browned, drain any excess fat. This keeps the casserole from getting too greasy!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until the ingredients are smooth and creamy—this will be your savory sauce!
- Now, add that delicious beef and onion mixture to the bowl, along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Grab a baking dish and spread the frozen french fries evenly across the bottom. Don’t be shy; make it nice and even!
- Pour the beef mixture over the fries, making sure to cover them completely. Top it off with the remaining cheddar cheese for that gooey goodness.
- Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fries are crispy and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Oh, the aroma will be incredible!
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe
- It’s a one-dish wonder—easy to prepare and even easier to clean up!
- The combination of flavors brings that classic cheeseburger taste straight to your table.
- Crispy french fries add the perfect crunch to the creamy, savory filling.
- It’s super versatile; feel free to add your favorite toppings like pickles or bacon!
- This casserole is a crowd-pleaser—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Great for leftovers, making it a fantastic meal prep option!
Tips for Success with Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe
To make this dish truly shine, I recommend using lean ground beef for a healthier option while still keeping it juicy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture! Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so check for that golden cheese and crispy fries around the 30-minute mark. When serving, don’t hesitate to top it off with fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, lettuce, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for a fun twist. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, it’s nice to know what you’re enjoying, right? Each serving of this cheeseburger french fry casserole is packed with flavor and a hearty dose of nutrition! You’ll find approximately 450 calories, 25g of fat, and 25g of protein per serving, making it a satisfying meal. It also contains about 30g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber, so it’s filling, too! Just keep in mind, these are estimates based on typical values and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you choose. Enjoy this dish in moderation, and savor every cheesy bite!
FAQ About Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey will work just fine and can lighten up the dish while still being delicious.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? No problem! You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or even make a homemade creamy sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it up to a day in advance, just cover it and refrigerate before baking.
How do I reheat leftovers? Simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Don’t worry, this cheeseburger french fry casserole stores beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it too—just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You’ll be amazed at how delicious it still is!
Variations on Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe
If you’re feeling creative, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with this casserole! For a twist, why not try swapping the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version? You could even go vegetarian by using black beans or lentils instead! As for toppings, think outside the box—add crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños for some heat, or even a layer of sautéed mushrooms. Feeling adventurous? Try a Tex-Mex spin with taco seasoning in the beef mixture and add some diced tomatoes and cilantro on top. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to explore them!
For more delicious recipes, check out Cheeseburger Quesadilla or Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes.
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Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe: 5 Comforting Layers
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This cheeseburger french fry casserole combines classic flavors in one dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 4 cups frozen french fries
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until brown.
- Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beef mixture and half of the cheese to the soup mixture.
- Spread the french fries in a baking dish.
- Pour the beef mixture over the fries.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the fries are crisp and cheese is melted.
Notes
- Feel free to add pickles or other toppings before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheeseburger, casserole, french fries, easy recipe