If you have a love for juicy cheeseburgers and crispy french fries, then the Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food obsession. This dish brings together all the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger in one cozy, cheesy, and satisfying casserole. Loaded with ground beef, rich cheese soups, crunchy shoestring fries, and a tangy homemade burger sauce, it’s a simple yet irresistibly tasty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly earn a permanent spot on your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, which come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s the savory ground beef or the crispy fries that provide the signature crunch and heartiness.
- Ground beef (500 g, 80/20 fat ratio): The juicy base that brings richness and meaty flavor to the casserole.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a fragrant, savory boost to the filling.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Amplifies the onion flavor in a gentle way.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Enhances the garlic notes for a deeper taste.
- Fine sea salt (½ tsp): Brings out all the flavors harmoniously.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): Offers a subtle kick without overpowering.
- Canned cheddar cheese soup (300 g): Provides creamy cheesiness that melds beautifully with the meat.
- Canned cream of mushroom soup (300 g): Adds moisture and earthy richness to the mix.
- Frozen shoestring french fries (600 g): The crispy, golden topping that mimics the classic burger side in casserole form.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (150 g, shredded): Melts over the fries for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
- Mayonnaise (60 g): Key ingredient in the tangy burger sauce that ties the dish together.
- Ketchup (20 g): Brings sweetness and acidity to the sauce.
- Yellow mustard (10 g): Adds that classic mustard zing to the burger sauce.
- Pickle juice (1 tbsp): Injects a bright, tangy punch to elevate the sauce flavor.
- Dehydrated onions (1 tsp): Gives extra onion flavor without extra moisture in the sauce.
- Neutral oil (1 tbsp): Used for greasing cookware to prevent sticking and to sauté the beef.
How to Make Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the French Fries
Start by preheating your air fryer to 200°C and cooking the frozen shoestring fries according to the package instructions until they are perfectly golden and crispy. These fries will form the irresistible crunchy layer on the casserole, so don’t skip this step or undercook them. Set them aside once done.
Step 2: Sauté Beef and Onions
Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking everything together while breaking the meat apart with a spatula. You want the beef nicely browned, and the onions soft and translucent, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds the meaty, savory foundation of the dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant—make sure it doesn’t brown, as that can turn bitter. Then sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the meat mixture.
Step 4: Mix in Cheese Soups
Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid greasiness, then add the canned cheddar cheese soup and cream of mushroom soup. Stir it all up until you have a creamy, cohesive filling that’s bursting with cheesy, savory flavor. This creamy sauce is what makes this casserole so comforting and luscious.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 28×18 cm baking dish with the neutral oil. Spread the meat and cheese soup mixture evenly over the base. Carefully arrange the crispy fries on top of the meat layer in an even layer. Finish by sprinkling the shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously over the fries, creating a melty, golden crust in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 175°C and bake the casserole for 10 to 15 minutes, watching closely to ensure the cheese melts fully and the fries get a beautiful golden-brown color. Keep an eye to avoid burning, because the perfect golden top makes all the difference!
Step 7: Prepare the Burger Sauce
While the casserole bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and a pinch of black pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This tangy sauce mimics the flavors of a classic cheeseburger condiment and makes the casserole sing.
Step 8: Serve with Sauce
After baking, let the casserole rest for about five minutes, allowing everything to set slightly. Drizzle the burger sauce over the hot casserole just before serving to add a delightful creamy and tangy contrast to each bite.
How to Serve Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe with fresh garnishes like chopped pickles, sliced green onions, or even a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture. These small touches highlight and complement the dish’s bold, savory profile.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with simple green salads, steamed veggies, or even a tangy coleslaw to balance out the richness with some freshness and crunch. A crisp side perfectly contrasts the creamy, cheesy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized meal experience or layering it in a clear dish so everyone can admire the crispy fries and melted cheese before digging in. You can also offer the burger sauce on the side for dipping, letting each guest customize their cheeseburger experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cool it completely before covering to maintain the best texture and taste for your next meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe for up to two months by wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve its creamy texture and delicious flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, place a portion of the casserole in the oven at 175°C for around 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese bubbles again. For a quicker option, microwave on medium power in short bursts, but the oven method keeps the fries crunchier and the texture better.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen shoestring fries?
Absolutely! Fresh shoestring fries work wonderfully too. Just make sure to cook them until crispy before layering to maintain the signature crunch the casserole is known for.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Check the labels on your canned soups and condiments to ensure they’re gluten-free, or substitute with gluten-free versions if needed. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute the canned soups with homemade versions?
Definitely. Homemade cheddar cheese soup and mushroom sauce will work beautifully if you prefer a fresh touch or want to control ingredients, although the canned versions do add convenience and consistency to this recipe.
What if I don’t have an air fryer for the fries?
No worries! You can bake the frozen fries in the oven or even pan-fry until crispy. The key is to ensure they are crunchy before adding them to the casserole.
Can this casserole be made vegetarian?
With some tweaks, yes. Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, and choose vegetarian-friendly soups to keep the rich flavor profile intact.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the delicious harmony of a cheeseburger and fries but want something cozy and easy to share, this Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Its comforting layers, melty cheese, and that tangy burger sauce make each bite a delight. I can’t wait for you to try it and make many happy memories around the table with this charming dish!
Print
Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with crispy shoestring fries in a creamy, hearty bake. Ground beef mixed with savory cheddar cheese and mushroom soups forms a rich base, topped with golden air-fried fries and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Finished with a tangy homemade burger sauce, this casserole is perfect for a comforting family meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 300 g canned cheddar cheese soup
- 300 g canned cream of mushroom soup
- 600 g frozen shoestring french fries
- 150 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Burger Sauce Ingredients
- 60 g mayonnaise
- 20 g ketchup
- 10 g yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon dehydrated onions
- Pinch of black pepper
Other
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil, for greasing and cooking
Instructions
- Air Fry the French Fries: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C. Cook the frozen shoestring fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy. Set them aside to keep crisp for topping the casserole.
- Sauté Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil. Add the ground beef and diced onion, sautéing while breaking up the meat until fully browned and the onions have softened, about 6–8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, careful not to let it brown to maintain its aromatic quality.
- Season the Meat: Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings. Drain any excess fat from the skillet for a cleaner, less greasy casserole.
- Add Soups: Pour in the canned cheddar cheese soup and cream of mushroom soup, stirring continuously to combine everything into a creamy, cohesive mixture.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 28×18 cm baking dish with neutral oil to prevent sticking. Evenly spread the creamy meat mixture as the casserole base.
- Layer Fries and Cheese: Arrange the crispy air-fried french fries evenly over the meat layer. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese across the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 175°C. Bake the casserole for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the fries begin to brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Make the Burger Sauce: While baking, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and a pinch of black pepper in a bowl. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove casserole from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle the prepared burger sauce over the hot casserole just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor and juiciness in the casserole.
- Drain excess fat after browning the meat to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Air frying the fries separately ensures they stay crispy rather than becoming soggy during baking.
- Keep an eye on the casserole while baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
- The burger sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture or sauce.
