Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print version)
Hearty casserole layering seasoned beef, condiments, crispy fries, and melted cheddar for ultimate comfort food.
# What you'll need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 ½ lbs ground beef, 80/20 blend recommended
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup chopped dill pickles
→ Condiments & Sauces
05 - ⅓ cup ketchup
06 - 2 tbsp yellow mustard
07 - 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
→ Dairy
08 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
→ Starches
09 - 1 bag frozen French fries, 26-28 oz
→ Seasonings
10 - 1 tsp salt
11 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
12 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
→ Other
13 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# How to make it:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
03 - Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
05 - Stir in chopped pickles and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
06 - Transfer beef mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
07 - Arrange frozen French fries in a single layer over the beef mixture.
08 - Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly over fries, and return to oven for another 10-12 minutes, or until fries are golden and cheese is melted.
09 - Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- Everything you love about a cheeseburger happens in one pan without firing up the grill
- The fries get outrageously crispy while the beef mixture underneath stays juicy and flavorful
- Feeds a crowd easily and reheats beautifully for lunch the next day
02 -
- Do not be tempted to thaw the fries first, they actually crisp up better when they go into the oven frozen
- The resting period is not optional if you want neat servings instead of a messy slide onto plates
- If your fries are getting too dark before the cheese melts, tent the dish loosely with foil for the last few minutes
03 -
- Season each layer as you go, salting the onions and beef separately makes a huge difference
- Spray your baking dish with cooking oil so nothing sticks to the bottom
- Use a rimmed baking sheet underneath to catch any bubbly over spills in the oven