Description
Hearty cheeseburger french fry casserole melds classic American comfort foods into one satisfying dish. Ground beef, crispy fries, and melted cheese combine for a crowd-pleasing meal you can savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (16 oz/454 g) package frozen French fries
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Condiments and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1/4 cup pickle relish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal casserole preparation.
- Transfer cooked beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an even base layer. Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese across the meat surface.
- Arrange frozen French fries in a uniform layer over the cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Whisk ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish in a small bowl to create a tangy sauce blend.
- Evenly drizzle the prepared sauce across the French fry layer, allowing it to seep between fries.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until fries turn golden brown and crisp, and cheese melts completely.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately with additional condiments like extra ketchup or mustard for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Customize Meat Choice: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that keeps the dish versatile and diet-friendly.
- Reduce Grease Impact: Pat ground beef with paper towels after draining to minimize excess oil and create a cleaner, less greasy casserole base.
- Cheese Flexibility: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, Swiss, or a blend to add unique flavor dimensions and personalize the dish.
- Crispy Fry Hack: For extra-crispy French fries, briefly broil the casserole during the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg