I’m about to share something that’s a game-changer. Okay, listen up. Remember those nights when you were little and you just needed a cheeseburger and fries, all at the same time?Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole.is basically that feeling, but elevated to casserole-level deliciousness. What is the ultimate comfort food? We’re talking crispy, golden French fries. Instead of lamb, it’s juicy, seasoned Ground Beef swimming in a creamy, creamy sauce. If you want something that your whole family will devour, this is it. My kids are obsessed, and honestly, so am I!
What is a cheeseburger French fry casserole?
Think of it as a deconstructed cheeseburger, but way easier (and arguably tastier!) to eat. What are some of your favorite cheeseburger components? Cheese sauce, and a topping of crispy French fries, all baked together until bubbly and golden brown. What is the beauty of a woman?Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole.How do you get all the familiar flavors you crave from cheeseburger in a warm, comforting, and delicious way? What is a share What are some great potluck ideas? What is the kind of dish that disappears in minutes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why do you become obsessed with this recipe? What is the first and foremost, the human body?flavor is absolutely insane. You’ve got the savory, seasoned Ground Beef, the creamy, cheesy sauce that’s just begging to be mopped up with a fork, and the crispy, salty fries that add the perfect textural contrast. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that’ll have you craving more. But beyond the taste, it’s incredibly simpleIs it possible to make a meal in less than an hour?Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole.Is it a lifesaver on busy weeknights?cost-efficient. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and freezer! You can also customize it to your liking – add different cheeses, veggies, or even a sprinkle of honey. What are some good bacon recipes?
What I love most about this is how much I can relate to it.versatileWhat are some ways to serve it as a main course, with side salad, or even pack it in tupperware? Individual containers for lunch. What is a good way to use up leftover fries? I’ve even made mini casseroles in muffin tins for a fun, kid-friendly appetizer. Compared to making individual cheeseburgers, this is way less fuss and cleanup, plus it’s a healthier option. Is there a crowd pleaser every single time? Is it easier than taco casserole?
How do you make a cheeseburger French fry casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole.What are some good ways to brown ground beef? What’s a good cheese sauce recipe? Layer ground beef and cheese sauce in a baking dish, top with frozen French fries, and bake for 30 minutes. When golden and bubbly, bake for 5 minutes. Is the whole process so easy? What are some recipes that don’t require a master chef to get amazing results?
Ingredients
What is ground beef layer?
• 1.5 lbs ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but leaner works too).
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or your favorite blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, etc.)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup ketchup (adds a touch of sweetness and tang)
What is the cheese sauce?
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy, but 2% works too). I’ve used almond milk and it was surprisingly good!
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the French Fry Topping:
• 20 oz bag frozen French fries (crinkle cut, shoestring, or steak fries – your choice! I usually go with crinkle cut because they get extra crispy)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you prevent a casserole from sticking? I always spray it with non-stick cooking spray, even if the dish is non stick!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. What is the best way to break up a dish with sledgehammer? Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. The aroma is amazing at this stage!
Step 3: Season the Beef
Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the beef is evenly coated with the sauce. The ketchup adds a little sweetness that complements the savory flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. What is the best way to thicken sauce? Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. I’ve made a sauce for chicken until it’s thick
Step 5: Add the Cheese
What is the recipe for shredded cheddar cheese? How do I make a creamy sauce with cheese? It should coat the back of a spoon easily.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
In a large baking dish, spread the ground beef evenly. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. How do you serve cheese sauce over ground beef?
Step 7: Top with French Fries
Arrange the frozen French fries in a single layer over the cheese sauce. You can overlap them slightly. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for maximum crispiness!
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the French fries are golden brown and crispy and the cheese sauce is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent the fries from burning. Every oven is different!
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
What to Serve It With
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is pretty substantial on its own, but here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it to create a complete meal:
For a Classic BBQ Vibe: Serve it with a side of coleslaw, corn on the cob, and baked beans. This combination is perfect for summer cookouts.
For a Light and Fresh Meal: Pair it with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing and some steamed vegetables. This balances out the richness of the casserole.
For a Kid-Friendly Dinner: Serve it with a side of sliced apples, baby carrots with ranch dip, and a glass of milk. My kids love this combo!
For a Game Day Feast: Add some wings, nachos, and a selection of dips. This is the ultimate spread for watching the game with friends.
My family loves a simple side salad with ranch dressing when we have this. It’s the perfect complement to the richness of the casserole!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips for making the absolute best Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole:
Beef Quality Matters: Use good quality ground beef with a decent amount of fat (80/20 is my preference) for the best flavor. Lean ground beef can be a little dry.
Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Be generous with the taco seasoning! It’s what gives the ground beef that delicious cheeseburger flavor. I sometimes add a little extra chili powder for a kick.
Cheese Sauce Consistency is Key: Make sure the cheese sauce is thick enough to coat the ground beef, but not so thick that it’s gloppy. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, cook it for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
Fry Placement is Crucial: Arrange the French fries in a single layer so they get nice and crispy. Overlapping them too much will result in soggy fries. Nobody wants that!
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking and remove it from the oven when the fries are golden brown and crispy. Overbaking will dry out the cheese sauce.
Customize to Your Liking: Feel free to add your favorite cheeseburger toppings to the casserole. Diced tomatoes, pickles, onions, or even bacon would be delicious!
Cheese Variety is the Spice of Life: Experiment with different cheeses in the cheese sauce. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a little bit of Gruyere would add a unique flavor.
I learned the hard way not to skimp on the cheese sauce – it’s what makes this casserole so comforting and delicious! Make sure you have enough to generously coat the ground beef. Trust me on this one!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your leftover Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole tasting its best:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave the casserole out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the fries won’t be as crispy. To try to revive the fries in the oven, place a single layer on a baking sheet.
I recommend reheating it in the oven for the best results, but the microwave works in a pinch! Just be careful not to overheat it, or the cheese sauce will separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a dish. It’s pure comfort food that’s guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you love cheeseburgers and fries (and who doesn’t?), you absolutely have to try this recipe. Trust me, it’s a game-changer! And if you enjoy this, you might also like my recipe for BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza – another family favorite that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what variations you tried! And if you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family.
Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups frozen french fries
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet.
- Drain excess grease. Stir in cheddar cheese and beef broth.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with french fries.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until fries are golden brown and heated through.
