Name: Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 28-ounce bag of shoestring French fries; 10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup; 10.5-ounce can of cheddar cheese soup; ½ yellow onion, diced; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon mustard; 1 teaspoon pickle juice; ½ teaspoon dehydrated onions; Black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 9 reviews

Get ready to meet the ultimate comfort food: Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole! This decadent dish layers savory ground beef, golden crisp fries, tangy burger sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese in one irresistible bake. It’s a pure crowd-pleaser, bringing together your favorite burger flavors and hearty potatoes in a playful, shareable meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any night when you want something fun and incredibly satisfying. If you love all things cheesy, crispy, and crave-worthy, this casserole will quickly become a new favorite.

Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this casserole is there for a reason, striking just the right balance of cheesy, meaty, crispy, and creamy. With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you’ll create layers of flavor and texture that taste like the best drive-thru meal baked fresh at home!

2 pounds ground beef: The hearty, flavorful base of your Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole; opt for 80/20 for juiciness.
28-ounce bag of shoestring French fries: These bring crunchy potato goodness, soaking up sauce and keeping the texture lively.
10.5-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the casserole together beautifully.
10.5-ounce can of cheddar cheese soup: Provides that unmistakable melty, cheesy vibe that makes each bite dreamy.
½ yellow onion, diced: Infuses the beef with a sweet, aromatic lift.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Layers in warm, savory depth that perks up the whole dish.
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Perfect for a bubbly, browned topper right before serving.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Doubles down on that classic, kid-friendly garlic flavor.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Gives the beef mixture extra savory backbone without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt to taste: Bring out all those bold, beefy and cheesy notes.
Black pepper to taste: Just a touch adds a mellow, spicy warmth.
½ cup mayonnaise (for burger sauce): This forms the creamy base of that beloved tangy drizzle.
¼ cup ketchup (for burger sauce): Classic sweetness and vivid color in every drop.
1 tablespoon mustard (for burger sauce): Zippy and sharp, balancing the richness.
1 teaspoon pickle juice (for burger sauce): Don’t skip this secret ingredient — it’s what brings burger authenticity to your sauce!
½ teaspoon dehydrated onions (for burger sauce): Infuses that unmistakable burger joint flavor.
Black pepper to taste (for burger sauce): A subtle kick to round out your sauce.

How to Make Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

Step 1: Crisp Up the French Fries

Start by preheating your air fryer and cooking the shoestring French fries just as the package directs. This first step gives your casserole that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch that stands out even after baking. It’s well worth the few extra minutes for the perfect texture!

Step 2: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to turn all those flavorful layers into a bubbling, golden casserole. Setting the temperature now ensures a seamless, stress-free flow when you assemble everything together.

Step 3: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until there’s no pink left. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for another 30 to 45 seconds. This flavors the beef mixture from the inside out, creating the juicy, juicy heart of your Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole. Season everything with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a hint of pepper, then drain off any excess grease.

Step 4: Stir in the Creamy Soups

Time for a magic trick: Mix both the cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup right into your cooked beef mixture. These not only bind everything together but bring a dreamy richness that echoes your favorite cheeseburger. Stir until it’s creamy, glossy, and totally tempting.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the beef mixture into a 7×11-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Next, layer the crispy, hot French fries right over the top, then scatter the shredded cheddar generously. You’re building a tower of comfort that’s just waiting to be baked.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Pop your casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbling. This step brings all the flavors together, with the fries staying crunchy on top and the cheese blanketing everything in golden goodness.

Step 7: Make the Burger Sauce

While the casserole bakes, whip up your tangy burger sauce! In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and black pepper until perfectly combined and smooth. This sauce is the flavor-packed finishing touch that sets your Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole apart.

Step 8: Drizzle and Serve

Right before serving, drizzle the creamy burger sauce all over the hot casserole. It’s the flavor equivalent of adding the perfect condiment to your favorite burger — and it makes every bite truly unforgettable. Dig in while it’s piping hot!

How to Serve Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can take your Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole to the next level. Try scattering sliced green onions, a handful of chopped dill pickles, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright pop of color and flavor. Even a touch of extra shredded cheese or crispy fried onions gives a little extra bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty and filling, but a fresh side really rounds out the meal. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or serve up some classic coleslaw for contrast. For a cookout feel, a side of baked beans or pickled vegetables works wonders too!

Creative Ways to Present

Why not play up the fun, shareable spirit? Try spooning Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole into individual ramekins for personalized mini-servings, or layer it into jars for picnic-ready eats. For parties, set out toppings like jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, or extra burger sauce and let guests build their perfect bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store any extra burger sauce in a small, sealed container so you can drizzle it fresh when you reheat.

Freezing

Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole freezes beautifully. Cool completely, wrap the casserole dish with plastic wrap and foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months for best texture and flavor. Store the sauce separately and freshen it up before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the casserole covered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 20 minutes (add a few extra if reheating from frozen). For individual portions, the microwave works well. Drizzle on your reserved burger sauce just before serving to bring everything back to life.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tater tots instead of French fries?

Absolutely! Tater tots make a fantastic swap and will give your Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole an extra crispy, potato-packed topping. Just cook them according to the package so they stay delightfully crisp.

Is there a lighter version of this casserole?

You can absolutely lighten things up by using ground turkey or chicken, opting for reduced-fat cheese, and subbing in light mayo for the sauce. It will still have the signature comfort flavors while being a bit easier on the waistline!

Can I add veggies to Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even thawed frozen spinach can be sautéed with the ground beef for extra nutrition and color. Just make sure to drain off any excess moisture so the casserole doesn’t get soggy.

How spicy can I make this dish?

Spice lovers can add a pinch of cayenne to the beef mixture, or stir a splash of hot sauce into the burger sauce. Jalapeño slices on top are another simple way to kick up the heat!

Can I make Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole a day ahead?

Yes! Simply assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving, then drizzle with fresh-made burger sauce right out of the oven for that just-baked taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new comfort food classic that brings a big wow factor without a lot of fuss, you’ll fall in love with Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole. All those familiar, beloved flavors come together in each craveable bite. Invite some friends, grab a fork, and dig in — you’ll be making this one on repeat!