Published on
French Fry Casserole
Table of Contents
Try this French Fry Casserole packed with layers of crispy fries, juicy ground beef, and melted cheese. This American casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner, this recipe brings everyone to the table in no time. You won’t want to miss this quick and easy comfort food
This recipe is simple to make, and you can follow the step-by-step guide below with helpful photos. We’ve included pro tips and tricks to ensure success, along with answers to the most frequently asked questions. Get ready to whip up this delicious casserole with confidence.
More Recipes ⭐ Chicken and Rice Casserole | Chili Cheese Fries | Layered Taco Salad Recipe
Whip up this mouthwatering French Fry Casserole in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With crispy fries, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. It's the ultimate beef dinner idea, ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for delicious, easy-to-make food. Try this irresistible casserole, and you'll keep coming back for more!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this French Fry Casserole recipe:
- 1 (32-ounce or 907-gram) package of frozen crinkle-cut French fries
- ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon of cracked black pepper
- 2 pounds of lean ground beef
- ½ cup of finely chopped sweet yellow onion
- 1(10.5-ounce or 298-gram) can of cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
- 1(10.5-ounce or 298-gram) can of cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
- 2 tablespoons of half and half
- 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups of freshly grated mild cheddar cheese (divided into 1 cup and 2 cups)
Pro Tip
We recommend shredding your cheese from the block for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese tends to have a preservative coating that prevents the cheese from melting well.
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your French Fry Casserole recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your casserole uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Add Spices: Sprinkle in taco seasoning or garlic powder to give your casserole a bold, new taste. These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this
Substitute Ground Beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of your French Fry Casserole.
Substitute Cheddar Cheese: Swap cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy flavor in your casserole.
Add Vegetables: Mix in bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and a healthy twist to your casserole.
How to Make French Fry Casserole
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, detailed instructions, and helpful tips and tricks below. Let's get started on making your delicious French Fry Casserole! You’ll love how easy and fun this recipe is to make.
FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
SECOND STEP: Spread the entire bag of frozen crinkle cut fries in a single layer over the prepared baking sheet.
Evenly sprinkle the kosher salt and cracked black pepper over the frozen fries. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Pro Tip
Baking the fries first before adding the beef mixture will ensure that the French fries are cooked and not soggy.
THIRD STEP: While the French fries are baking, add the two pounds of ground beef and finely chopped onions to a 4 to 5-quart stockpot or a 10 to 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Stir the ground beef and onions often until the ground beef is cooked through and no longer pink, about five to seven minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
FOURTH STEP: Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the soups, half and half, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for just two minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat.
FIFTH STEP: Spray a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly spread the ground beef and soup mixture into the sprayed baking dish.
SIXTH STEP: Sprinkle one cup of the freshly shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the ground beef mixture.
SEVENTH STEP: Remove the fries from the oven. Using a spatula, carefully spread the fries over the top of the cheese layer.
EIGHTH STEP: Evenly sprinkle the remaining two cups of shredded cheddar over the top of the layer of French fries.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bottom ground beef layer is bubbly. Serve while hot.
Pro Tip
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your French fry cheeseburger casserole as the suggested cooking time approaches.
How to Serve French Fry Casserole
This French Fry Casserole is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it at a family dinner or a casual get-together, everyone will love it. Here are some fun ways to serve this recipe:
- Family Dinner: Serve this casserole for a cozy family dinner. Kids love the crispy fries and cheesy goodness, and it pairs perfectly with a fresh garden salad or roasted veggies.
- Game Day Party: Bring this casserole to your next game day party. It's a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to share. Pair it with wings or nachos for a winning combo.
- Comfort Food Night: Warm up on a chilly evening with this comforting casserole. The cheesy layers make it ideal for fall or winter. Serve with a side of garlic bread or creamy tomato soup for a satisfying meal.
Why You'll Love This French Fry Casserole Recipe
French Fry Casserole is more than just a meal—it's a beloved favorite for several tempting reasons.
- Comfort in Every Bite: This recipe combines crispy fries, savory ground beef, and melty cheese into a comforting, hearty dish that satisfies every craving. The layers of textures and flavors make it a family favorite that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: With a quick prep time and easy instructions, this casserole is ideal for those hectic weeknights. You’ll have dinner on the table in no time, and everyone will leave the table happy and full.
- Kid-Approved Fun: Kids love the playful twist of combining their favorite fries with a cheesy casserole. It’s a fun way to switch up the dinner routine and keep everyone excited about mealtime.
Hamburger french fry casserole isn’t just dinner—it’s a dish that brings joy and comfort to the table every time you make it.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use frozen French fries in this casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen French fries. Just bake them slightly longer to ensure they get crispy.
What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?
Use 80/20 ground beef for a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness in your casserole.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy?
Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef before layering it into the casserole to reduce greasiness.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake it.
Serving FAQ
How should I serve French Fry Casserole for a party?
Serve cheeseburger french fry casserole in a large baking dish so guests can easily scoop out their portions.
Can I serve this casserole as a main dish?
Yes, French Fry Casserole makes a hearty and satisfying main dish that everyone will enjoy.
What portion size should I plan for when serving?
Plan for about one generous scoop per person, but guests may want seconds of this tasty dish!
Is this casserole suitable for kids’ meals?
Absolutely! Kids love the combination of crispy fries and cheesy goodness, making it a hit for any family meal.
Storage FAQ
For the best results, follow our tips and tricks for storing, making ahead, and reheating your French Fry Casserole. From prepping in advance to enjoying leftovers, we've got you covered.
Can I prepare French Fry Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What's the best way to store leftover French Fry Casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
Is it possible to freeze French Fry Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole in an airtight container for up to one month.
How do I thaw and reheat frozen French Fry Casserole?
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
Can I reheat French Fry Casserole in the microwave?
Yes, reheat in the microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without overcooking.
French Fry Casserole
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen crinkle-cut fries (907 grams)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup sweet yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup (undiluted (I used great value) 298-gram)
- 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup (undiluted (I used Campbell's1) 298-gram)
- 2 tablespoons half and half
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups mild cheddar cheese (freshly grated (divided into 1 cups and 2 cups))
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the entire bag of frozen crinkle-cut fries in a single layer over the prepared baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle the kosher salt and cracked black pepper over the frozen fries. Bake for 20-25 minutes. (This will ensure that the French fries are cooked and not soggy) All ovens cook differently, so keep a close eye on your fries.
- While the French fries are baking, add the 2 pounds of ground beef and finely chopped onions to a 4 to 5-quart stockpot or a 10 to 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Stir the ground beef and onions often until the ground beef is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
- Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the soups, half and half, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for just 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat.
- Spray a 9×13 (or 13×9) baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly spread the ground beef and soup mixture into the sprayed baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of the freshly shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the ground beef mixture.
- Remove the fries from the oven. Using a spatula, carefully spread the fries over the top of the shredded cheddar layer.
- Evenly sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar over the top of the French fries. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bottom ground beef layer is bubbly. Serve while hot.
Notes
- We recommend shredding your cheese from the block for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese tends to have a preservative coating that prevents the cheese from melting well.
- Baking the fries first before adding the beef mixture will ensure that the French fries are cooked and not soggy.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your french fry cheeseburger casserole as the suggested cooking time approaches.
Leave a Comment