Description
This Cheeseburger French Fry Bake is a comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with crispy French fries. It’s a fun and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
→ Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 28 ounce bag shoestring French fries
- 10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 10.5 ounce can cheddar cheese soup
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
→ Burger Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dehydrated onions
- Black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer and cook the French fries as directed on the package until crispy. Set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177°C).
Step 3: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is fully cooked. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30–45 seconds. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Drain excess fat.
Step 4: Stir in cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup with the beef mixture. Mix until evenly combined.
Step 5: Transfer the beef and soup mixture into a 7×11 inch casserole dish. Evenly layer the cooked French fries on top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 8: Drizzle the burger sauce over the baked casserole just before serving.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe is a winner because it’s a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy soups, crispy fries, and tangy burger sauce is simply irresistible. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately after baking.
- Garnish with sliced pickles or fresh chopped parsley.
- Pair with a side salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Offer additional toppings like diced tomatoes, lettuce, or sliced onions.
Tips
- For extra crispy fries, lightly toss them with oil and seasonings before air frying.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked French fries.
- Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Add a layer of bacon bits for an extra smoky flavor.
- If you don’t have dehydrated onions for the burger sauce, you can use finely minced fresh onion.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
The Cheeseburger French Fry Bake is a fun and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its ease of preparation and customizable nature make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy this delightful combination of classic flavors and textures!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use frozen fries instead of air frying them?
A: Yes, you can use frozen fries. Bake them according to the package directions until crispy before adding them to the casserole.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, but wait to bake it until you’re ready to serve. The fries might get soggy if baked too far in advance.
Q3: Can I add other toppings to the casserole?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like diced tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, or onions after baking.
Q4: Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can use your favorite type of cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses would work well.
