Best Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
The Best Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal combining crispy frozen fries, seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and classic burger flavors into a delicious baked casserole. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe delivers all the taste of a cheeseburger and fries with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Meat & Protein
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 2 eggs or 1/2 cup cream (to bind)
Base Layer
- 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen French fries
Cheese & Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickles or 1-2 tablespoons pickle juice (optional)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Prepare the Ground Beef: Brown 1 lb ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika until fully cooked and fragrant. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Combine the Flavor Elements: Add 1/2 cup diced onions, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, and optional chopped pickles or 1-2 tablespoons pickle juice to the cooked beef. Stir well to evenly combine all flavors.
- Layer the French Fries: Evenly spread 1 (32 oz) bag of frozen French fries in the bottom of a greased casserole dish to create a crispy base layer.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef mixture evenly over the fries. Beat 2 eggs (or pour 1/2 cup cream) over the top to help bind the ingredients. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend) evenly on top.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.
Notes
- Use high-quality frozen fries for best texture and flavor.
- Thoroughly season and fully cook the ground beef for authentic cheeseburger taste.
- Drain fat from beef to prevent greasiness in the final casserole.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.
- Add fresh toppings like chopped green onions, pickles, tomato slices, or shredded lettuce when serving for added freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, french fry casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, baked casserole, gluten free