First of all, I have to say thank you for being here! There’s nothing better than sharing a recipe that’s both easy and delicious, and this Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole hits all the right notes. I know we’re all looking for quick, budget-friendly dinners, and I promise this one will have everyone asking for seconds. With just five ingredients and 30 minutes of cooking, you’ve got yourself a weeknight meal that’s anything but boring!!
Let’s get into it—this dish has all the savory goodness of a cheeseburger, but instead of a bun, we’re layering crispy French fries on top. Sound amazing? It is!
Ingredients
- 20 oz bag frozen crinkle-cut French fries
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans of cream of mushroom soup
- 2 teaspoons steak sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional for serving:
- Pickles
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped onions
How to Make Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
1. Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
First, preheat your oven to 375°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to keep things easy later.
2. Cook the French Fries
Spread the frozen crinkle-cut fries on your prepared baking sheet, and bake them for about 20 minutes or until they’re nice and crispy. (The crispier, the better—they hold up beautifully in the casserole!)
3. Make the Meat Layer
While the fries are in the oven, heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess grease. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and steak sauce, and let it all simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Layer the crispy French fries on top of the beef, and then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake the Casserole
Pop the casserole in the oven for another 10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Trust me—the smell when this is in the oven is incredible!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole right away, topped with your favorite burger toppings like pickles, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, or onions. It’s like a cheeseburger plate but in casserole form!
Details And Nutritional Information
Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition (per serving):
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 501 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 102mg
Helpful Tips
- Make ahead tip: You can brown the ground beef and mix it with the soup and steak sauce ahead of time. Just refrigerate it, then assemble and bake when ready!
- Crispier fries: For extra-crispy fries, try cooking them on the convection setting of your oven or give them a quick broil before topping the casserole.
- Cheese it up: Feel free to mix different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack to give it a little extra flavor kick.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.
- If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, try using cream of chicken or even cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor.
- For extra flavor, toss in some sautéed onions or garlic with the beef.
- Want more veggies? You can layer in some diced tomatoes or bell peppers between the beef and fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of fries?
Absolutely! Any type of frozen fries works—shoestring, waffle fries, or even seasoned fries can add a fun twist.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without baking it, cover it tightly, and freeze it. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Can I add bacon?
Yes, yes, and YES! Adding crispy bacon bits on top with the cheese is a great way to elevate this dish.
Storage Instructions
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
More Easy and Delicious Recipes
Enjoy your cheeseburger casserole, and be ready to fall in love with this quick and easy weeknight winner!
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Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole: A Quick and Delicious Dinner!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners. With a deliciously creamy sauce made from garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of butter, this pasta delivers on taste and comfort. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an absolute winner for busy families. Try it tonight and savor every bite!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (your choice of fettuccine, linguine, or penne)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Add liquids: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cheese: Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, making sure it melts into the sauce evenly.
- Season: Add black pepper and salt to taste. Adjust consistency by adding a little pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, making sure it’s well-coated.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- For a protein boost, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to this pasta.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a hint of freshness to cut through the richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 90mg