Hey y'all! If you're craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that's irresistibly cheesy and packed with flavor, this Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Dinner is your next must-try recipe. Imagine layers of crispy golden fries, savory seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and all the classic cheeseburger fixings—baked to bubbly perfection. It's the ultimate family-friendly dinner for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want something deliciously hearty. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Dinner
- Combines all your favorite cheeseburger flavors in one easy, oven-baked dish.
- Perfect for feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends at gatherings.
- Quick prep and minimal cleanup thanks to frozen fries and one-pan baking.
- Flexible—customize with your favorite burger toppings or cheeses.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for a delicious next-day lunch.
Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Dinner Ingredients
- 1 (26 oz) bag frozen crinkle-cut French fries
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- ¼ cup chopped pickles (optional, for topping)
How to Make Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Dinner
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little oil.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Turn heat to low and stir in ketchup, mustard, and dill pickle relish. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Evenly layer half the frozen French fries in the prepared baking dish. Top with all the beef mixture, then sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella cheese over the beef. Layer the rest of the fries over the cheese, then top with remaining 1 cup cheddar.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the fries are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end—keep an eye on it!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions and chopped pickles, if using. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes for Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Dinner Success
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option—learn more about lean meats at EatRight.org.
- Try different shredded cheeses like pepper jack or Colby for extra flavor.
- If using thin fries, check the casserole a few minutes early to prevent over-browning. Tips on choosing the best frozen fries: Serious Eats.
Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Dinner Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger: Add 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon between the beef and cheese layers.
- Spicy Kick: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños into the beef mixture and use pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetarian: Substitute with plant-based ground meat and use vegetarian-friendly cheese.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Dinner Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Not recommended for freezing, as fries may lose their crispness.
Serving Recommendations and Pairings
- Serve with a crisp garden salad or classic coleslaw for freshness.
- Pair with pickles, sliced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of burger sauce on top.
- Offer a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade to complete the meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Dinner
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier slicing. For more casserole tips, check out The Kitchn.
- Use a blend of cheeses for gooey, melty texture and rich flavor.
- Chop toppings small for even distribution and a burst of flavor in every bite.
Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Dinner FAQ
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble up to the final cheese layer, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving, adding 10 extra minutes if baking from cold.
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
- Absolutely—slice potatoes into fries, toss with a little oil and salt, and use in place of frozen fries. You may need to bake 5-10 minutes longer.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- It can be! Just confirm that your frozen fries and all condiments are certified gluten-free.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (26 oz) bag frozen French fries
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickles (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
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3Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup, ketchup, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
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4Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
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5Arrange the frozen French fries in a single layer over the cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crispy.
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6Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and chopped pickles (if using) over the top. Return to oven for 3-5 minutes, until cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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