Description
A quick and easy casserole combining the flavors of a cheeseburger and crispy fries, perfect for fun family dinners and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound frozen French fries (straight-cut preferred)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Spread frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until they start to crisp but are not fully done. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the partially cooked fries evenly.
- Spoon half of the beef mixture over the fries, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Repeat layers with remaining fries, beef mixture, and cheese. If using, scatter pickles or extra veggies in the middle layer.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and fries on top are golden brown and crispy.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pre-baking fries prevents sogginess. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. You can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if fries are not crispy enough. Adapt with ground turkey, plant-based crumbles, or different cheeses. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and freeze well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 28
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, french fry casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, ground beef casserole