Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Printable Version)
Classic cheeseburger flavors layered with crispy fries and melted cheddar in one hearty, family-friendly bake.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup chopped dill pickles (optional)
→ Condiments & Sauces
05 - ⅓ cup ketchup
06 - 2 tbsp yellow mustard
07 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Dairy
08 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
→ Starches
09 - 1 (26-28 oz) bag frozen French fries
→ Seasonings
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
→ Other
13 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
03 - Add ground beef, breaking up with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
05 - Stir in chopped pickles (if using) and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
06 - Transfer beef mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
07 - Arrange frozen French fries in a single layer over the beef mixture.
08 - Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly over fries, and return to oven for another 10-12 minutes, or until fries are golden and cheese is melted.
09 - Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- Transforms ordinary burger night into something that feels like a treat without much extra effort
- Feeds a hungry crowd with minimal hands on time and maximum comfort
02 -
- Dont skip draining the beef if theres more than a tablespoon of excess fat or the casserole will feel greasy
- Arranging fries in a single layer not overlapping is the secret to getting them crispy instead of soggy
03 -
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre shredded for better melting and a creamier texture
- Let the beef mixture cool slightly before adding the cheese so it melts into the meat instead of clumping together