This comforting casserole delivers the classic flavors of a cheeseburger layered with crispy French fries for the perfect family-friendly meal. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfyingly hearty, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that comes together with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish blends the best parts of a cheeseburger into a warm, bubbly casserole topped with golden fries. It’s easy to prepare, uses pantry staples, and feels like a fun twist on classic comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need something hearty and delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, finely diced
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1 bag (32 oz) frozen French fries
Optional toppings: diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, lettuce, extra cheese for garnish
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onions until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess fat.
Season the meat with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, and mustard until smooth.
Pour the soup mixture into the skillet with the beef and stir to combine.
Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
Arrange the frozen French fries evenly over the cheese.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the fries are crispy and golden.
For extra cheesiness, add more shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Top with diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, or lettuce if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Approximate Calories: 400 per serving
Variations
Use mozzarella or a cheese blend instead of cheddar.
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
Replace French fries with waffle fries or seasoned fries for a different texture.
Add a drizzle of burger sauce on top right before serving.
Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a slightly different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions until warmed through.
For best texture, reheat in the oven or an air fryer to help re-crisp the fries.
FAQs
How do I keep the fries crispy in the casserole?
Bake uncovered and ensure the fries are spread in an even layer so they crisp properly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the beef layer in advance, but add the fries just before baking to keep them crispy.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
Yes, thinly slice or matchstick the potatoes, but you may need additional baking time to crisp them.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Freezing is possible, but the fries may soften upon reheating. Bake from frozen at 350°F until heated through.
Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well. Just season generously since it has a milder flavor.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are good alternatives.
How do I make it spicier?
Add chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, peas, corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be mixed into the meat layer.
Should I cover the casserole while baking?
No, bake uncovered so the fries can crisp.
Can I use a different cheese?
Any meltable cheese—like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Colby—works well.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole brings all the satisfying flavors of a classic cheeseburger into one warm, comforting dish. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or anytime you want a cozy meal without extra fuss. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite.
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole combines all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in one easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish. Creamy ground beef, melty cheese, and crispy fries come together in a cozy, satisfying bake.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, finely diced
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup yellow mustard
1 bag (32 oz) frozen French fries
Optional toppings: diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, extra cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until browned and softened. Drain excess fat.
Season beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, and mustard until smooth.
Stir soup mixture into the cooked beef and combine well.
Spread beef mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
Top with frozen French fries in an even layer.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until fries are golden and crisp.
Optional: Add extra cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for added meltiness.
Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with pickles, tomatoes, or lettuce as desired.
Notes
Bake uncovered for crispy fries.
Swap cream of mushroom with cream of chicken or celery if preferred.
Use seasoned or waffle fries for variation.
Add burger toppings like diced pickles or tomatoes after baking.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or low-fat cheese.
