Name: Cheeseburger French Fry Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (80–85% lean); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional); 1 bag (20 oz) frozen shoestring French fries; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapeños (optional); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp dill pickle relish; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; Pinch of salt and pepper

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish transforms simple ingredients into an indulgent, cheesy, crispy, and tangy comfort meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a cozy casserole format. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and totally satisfying.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80–85% lean)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 bag (about 20 oz / 570 g) frozen shoestring French fries
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup pickled jalapeños, sliced (optional)

For the burger sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of salt & pepper

directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a 9×13″ (23×33 cm) baking dish.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I brown the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. I drain any excess fat.

I season the cooked beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. I stir everything together and remove it from the heat.

While I cook the beef, I bake the frozen fries in the oven according to package directions until they’re nice and crispy—usually about 20–25 minutes.

While the fries are baking, I whisk together all the burger sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.

Once everything’s ready, I gather my fries, beef, cheese, sauce, and jalapeños.

To assemble, I layer half the fries in the bottom of the greased baking dish. I spread half of the seasoned beef on top, drizzle over half the burger sauce, and sprinkle on half the cheddar cheese.

I repeat with the remaining fries, beef, sauce, and cheese. I add the jalapeños on top if I’m using them.

I return the dish to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

I let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: approx. 850 kcal per serving

Variations

Sometimes I mix things up with tater tots or waffle fries instead of shoestrings. I also like swapping the cheddar for pepper jack or mixing in sautéed onions for more depth. For a bacon twist, I sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon between the layers.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the oven or air fryer to keep the fries crisp. The microwave works too, but the fries may soften.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?

Yes, I sometimes use homemade fries, just make sure they’re baked or fried until crispy before assembling the casserole.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I cook the beef and prep the sauce ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving to keep the fries crispy.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, I use plant-based ground beef and vegan cheese to create a similar layered dish.

What’s the best cheese for this bake?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives that classic cheeseburger taste, but pepper jack or Monterey Jack work great too.

How can I make it spicier?

I add more jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce to the burger sauce, or mix chili flakes into the beef.

Conclusion

This Cheeseburger French Fry Bake is my answer to a fast, fun dinner that feels indulgent and exciting. It combines crispy fries, melty cheese, juicy beef, and that signature burger sauce all in one dish that’s always a hit at the table.