Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s nostalgic, hearty, and irresistibly delicious. It tastes just like a cheeseburger, but with even less effort. The crispy fries add the perfect crunch, the beef is rich and savory, and the creamy cheese sauce ties it all together. Plus, it’s oven-baked, which means I can prep everything ahead and toss it in the oven when I’m ready to feed the family. The burger sauce on top adds that extra fast-food flair I crave.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Main Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 bag (28 ounces) shoestring French fries
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) 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 Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon pickle juice
1/2 teaspoon dehydrated onions
black pepper, to taste
Directions
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I start by preheating the air fryer and cooking the shoestring French fries until they’re golden and crisp. Once they’re done, I set them aside and let them cool slightly—this helps them stay crispy later.
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While the fries cook, I preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I brown the ground beef with diced onion until no pink remains. Then I stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 to 45 seconds. I season everything with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper before draining any excess fat.
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I reduce the heat and stir in both the cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup. Once it’s fully combined, I transfer the beef mixture to a 7×11 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
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I layer the cooked French fries on top of the beef, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the fries.
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I bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, just until the cheese has melted fully and everything is hot and bubbly.
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While it bakes, I whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and black pepper to make the burger sauce.
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After removing the casserole from the oven, I drizzle the sauce over the top before serving—or let everyone add their own. It’s messy, melty, and totally satisfying.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 306 kcal per serving (estimated, based on total calorie content of 2450 kcal)
Variations
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I sometimes use tater tots instead of fries for a different texture.
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For a spicy version, I add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or mix some hot sauce into the burger sauce.
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I’ve swapped the cream of mushroom soup for cream of cheddar or cream of bacon for extra richness.
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Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner substitute for beef.
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I like to top the finished casserole with chopped pickles or green onions for an added fresh bite.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual servings. For best results, I add fresh sauce after reheating and, if I want to revive the crispiness, I pop the fries under the broiler for a minute or two.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, I prep the beef layer and store it in the fridge up to a day in advance. Right before baking, I add the cooked fries, cheese, and bake as usual.
Do I need to use an air fryer for the fries?
No, I can bake the fries in a conventional oven according to package directions. The air fryer just makes them crispier and faster.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely. I’ve used Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack, depending on what flavor I’m going for. A cheese blend works great too.
Is there a substitute for the cheddar cheese soup?
If I don’t have canned cheese soup, I make a quick homemade cheese sauce using a roux, milk, and shredded cheese.
Can I freeze this casserole?
I don’t usually freeze it because fries tend to lose their texture, but the beef and soup mixture can be made ahead and frozen separately. I add fresh fries and cheese when I’m ready to bake.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is comfort food at its best. It’s warm, cheesy, full of flavor, and easy enough for a casual weeknight meal. I love how it transforms basic ingredients into something fun and satisfying that both kids and adults enjoy. Whether I’m feeding a family or just want leftovers for the week, this casserole always hits the spot.
Print
Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (1 casserole)
Description
All the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger in a warm, cheesy casserole topped with crispy fries—perfect for a fun and filling family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
1 bag (28 oz) shoestring French fries
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) 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 Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon pickle juice
1/2 teaspoon dehydrated onions
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Fries:
Preheat the air fryer and cook the shoestring fries according to package or manufacturer instructions until golden and crispy. Set aside.
Preheat the Oven:
Set oven to 350°F (177°C) and let it fully preheat.
Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion. Cook until no pink remains. Add garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess fat.
Make Meat Sauce:
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in both the cream of mushroom and cheddar cheese soups until fully combined.
Assemble Casserole:
Spread the beef mixture into a 7×11-inch casserole dish. Layer the cooked fries evenly on top. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Prepare Burger Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and black pepper until smooth.
Serve:
Remove casserole from oven and drizzle with burger sauce. Serve hot.
Notes
Let fries cool on a wire rack before layering for extra crispiness.
You can use seasoned fries for added flavor.
The burger sauce also works great as a dipping sauce!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Air Fryer, Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
