Description
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is a deliciously comforting dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with crispy French fries in a baked casserole form. Ground beef is seasoned and layered with frozen fries, cheese, and a tangy sauce made from ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and milk. Optional additions like diced onions, pickles, and garlic powder enhance the cheeseburger taste. It’s an easy-to-make, hearty family meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup diced onions (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
French Fry Layer
- 1 package (about 20 oz) frozen French fries (crinkle-cut or regular)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or American cheese
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
Optional Toppings
- ½ cup diced pickles (optional, for a true cheeseburger flavor)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb of ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. If using, add diced onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper during cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, ½ cup milk, and ¼ cup mayonnaise until smooth and combined.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the cooked ground beef mixture and stir well to coat the beef evenly.
- Layer Casserole: In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the frozen French fries evenly on the bottom. Spoon the beef and sauce mixture over the fries, spreading it uniformly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar or American cheese over the top.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, sprinkle diced pickles evenly over the casserole for authentic cheeseburger flavor. Fresh parsley can be added after baking for garnish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the fries are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley if using, then serve warm and enjoy this hearty, cheeseburger-flavored casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute American cheese for cheddar for a more traditional cheeseburger flavor.
- If you like your fries extra crispy, you can partially bake them before layering.
- For added flavor, mix pickles directly into the beef mixture.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, french fry casserole, baked casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef casserole