Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This comforting dinner features juicy ground beef mixed with onions, garlic, cheddar cheese, and a double dose of creamy soup for rich flavor. Crispy, golden French fries crown the casserole, baking to a melty finish with a layer of cheese on top. The homemade tangy burger sauce adds a special touch—just combine mayo, mustard, ketchup, and a splash of pickle juice for irresistible zest. Balanced seasoning throughout ensures each forkful is savory and satisfying. Easy, hearty, and sure to please, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy main course.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:04:43 GMT
A casserole of cheeseburger and fries. Save
A casserole of cheeseburger and fries. | lilicooks.com

Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole hits every comfort food craving with its layers of juicy beef savory cheese and crispy fries It is an easy way to enjoy all the classic burger flavors in a one-pan meal that is wildly family friendly and always a big hit at potlucks

The first time I made this my sister called it the ultimate cheat day dinner Now it is my go-to recipe whenever I want guaranteed empty plates

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Two pounds for hearty flavor look for eighty to eighty five percent lean for ideal juiciness
  • Shoestring French fries: One bag gives the casserole its craveable crunch I always check for ones with a lower sodium content
  • Cream of mushroom and cheddar cheese soup: These add rich creamy layers and keep everything moist Choose a good quality condensed soup for the best texture
  • Yellow onion: freshly diced for sweetness and depth Choose one that feels heavy and firm
  • Minced garlic: fresh is best for aroma but jarred works too
  • Cheddar cheese: shredded adds melty goodness Sharp cheddar packs more punch
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: boost the burger flavor double check freshness for bold taste
  • Salt and black pepper: staples for seasoning
  • Mayonnaise ketchup mustard pickle juice dehydrated onions and black pepper: for the burger sauce Go for real mayo and classic yellow mustard for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onions:
In a large skillet cook ground beef and diced onion over medium high heat for eight to ten minutes breaking up the meat as it browns Continue until all pink is gone and onions are soft
Add Garlic and Seasonings:
Stir in the minced garlic cooking for about thirty seconds until fragrant Sprinkle in onion powder garlic powder salt and pepper combining everything well
Drain and Stir in the Soups:
Pour off any excess grease from the skillet Add both the cheddar cheese soup and cream of mushroom soup Stir thoroughly to make a creamy uniform mixture
Prep the Fries:
Cook the shoestring fries in your air fryer or oven according to the package instructions Aim for extra crisp since they will soften a bit in the casserole
Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the beef and soup mixture evenly in a seven by eleven inch casserole dish Layer the cooked French fries over the top and scatter the shredded cheddar cheese all over
Bake:
Place the casserole in a three hundred fifty degree oven Bake for ten to fifteen minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly
Mix the Burger Sauce:
In a small bowl combine mayonnaise ketchup mustard pickle juice dehydrated onions and black pepper Stir until smooth
Serve:
Drizzle the burger sauce all over the hot casserole Slice and serve warm for best flavor
A cheeseburger french fry casserole with onions and bacon. Save
A cheeseburger french fry casserole with onions and bacon. | lilicooks.com

Cheddar cheese is my favorite ingredient here I love watching it turn bubbly and golden under the broiler It reminds me of Sunday evenings when we would make these with extra cheese and all my cousins would fight for the crispiest fries on top

Storage Tips

Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days Store tightly wrapped or in a sealed container If you plan to freeze let it cool completely first then wrap and freeze for up to two months Reheat portions in the oven or air fryer to revive crispiness

Ingredient Substitutions

Sub ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter casserole Swap in tater tots or crinkle cut fries if you prefer a different texture You can use homemade cheese sauce or mushroom soup if you love cooking from scratch Add diced pickles or jalapenos for a punch of extra flavor

Serving Suggestions

A cheeseburger french fry casserole with cheese and sauce. Save
A cheeseburger french fry casserole with cheese and sauce. | lilicooks.com

Pair this casserole with a big crunchy salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness Top each portion with extra burger sauce or chopped fresh herbs for brightness You can also set up a topping bar with diced tomatoes pickles and shredded lettuce for a fun twist

Cultural and Historical Context

This dish grew out of American diner food where burgers and fries reign supreme It is a playful casserole that first showed up in community cookbooks in the nineteen eighties when shortcut meals became popular The combination of packaged soups and frozen fries is pure nostalgia for anyone who grew up eating Midwest comfort food classics

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use another type of fry instead of shoestring?

Yes, you can substitute shoestring fries with other fry cuts, such as crinkle or waffle fries. Different shapes may alter texture, but all will bake up golden and crisp.

→ What can I use if I don't have cheddar cheese soup?

If cheddar cheese soup isn't available, melted cheddar mixed with a bit of milk or another creamy cheese-based soup can work as a substitute for similar richness.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it. Add the fries and cheese just before baking to keep them crisp.

→ Can I add other toppings or mix-ins?

Absolutely! Try adding cooked bacon, chopped pickles, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Adjust seasonings as needed.

→ How should leftovers be reheated?

For best results, reheat portions in the oven or an air fryer to restore crispiness to the fries and freshness to the layers.

→ Is this suitable for freezing?

This casserole can be frozen after assembly but before baking. Add fries and cheese after thawing for the best consistency and taste.

Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

Savor bold layers of ground beef, crispy fries, cheddar, and a tangy sauce in this crowd-pleasing bake.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
25 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 pounds ground beef
02 28-ounce bag of shoestring French fries
03 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup
04 10.5-ounce can of cheddar cheese soup
05 ½ yellow onion, diced
06 1 tablespoon minced garlic
07 ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
08 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 1 teaspoon onion powder
10 Salt to taste
11 Black pepper to taste

→ Burger Sauce Ingredients

12 ½ cup mayonnaise
13 ¼ cup ketchup
14 1 tablespoon mustard
15 1 teaspoon pickle juice
16 ½ teaspoon dehydrated onions
17 Black pepper to taste

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the air fryer and cook the French fries according to package instructions.

Step 02

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 03

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onions until no pink remains. Add minced garlic, cooking for 30-45 seconds. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease.

Step 04

Mix the cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup into the beef mixture until well combined.

Step 05

Transfer the beef mixture into a 7x11 casserole dish. Layer cooked French fries on top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 06

Bake the casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Step 07

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 08

Drizzle the burger sauce over the casserole before serving. Enjoy!

Required Tools

  • Air fryer
  • Large skillet
  • Casserole dish (7x11)
  • Small mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Dairy
  • Gluten
  • Eggs

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 432.5
  • Fats: 27.6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18.4 g
  • Proteins: 25.3 g