Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole layers seasoned ground beef, crispy fries, and gooey cheese for a comforting, all-in-one dish that brings together the best of both worlds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole transforms simple ingredients—fries, cheeseburger flavors—into a hearty and satisfying meal with little fuss. The combination of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and golden fries is irresistible, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or prepped ahead.

Ingredients

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

• Frozen French fries (straight-cut or crinkle)

• Ground beef (about 1 pound)

• Onion, diced

• Garlic, minced

• Ketchup

• Yellow mustard

• Pickle relish (optional)

• Seasonings: salt, pepper, paprika

• Shredded cheddar cheese (or cheeseburger blend)

• Optional toppings: diced tomato, shredded lettuce, extra pickles

Directions

1. Preheat oven. I heat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook beef. I brown the ground beef with diced onion and garlic in a skillet until no longer pink. I drain excess fat.

3. Season beef. I stir in ketchup, mustard, pickle relish (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper. I let it simmer for a couple minutes, then remove from heat.

4. Layer fries. I spread half the frozen fries in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.

5. Add beef layer. I spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the fries.

6. Top with cheese & fries. I sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef layer, then top with the remaining fries.

7. Bake. I bake for about 25–30 minutes, until fries are golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Finish and serve. I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. I typically top servings with diced tomato, shredded lettuce, extra pickles, and a drizzle of ketchup or mustard.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Serves 6–8

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes stovetop + 25–30 minutes baking

• Total time: Around 45 minutes

Variations

• Cheeseburger twist only: I mix the fries into the beef mixture for a layered “loaded” effect.

• Spicy kick: I add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the beef.

• Cheese variety: I swap in pepper jack, Colby jack, or a blend for extra flavor.

• Tater tot version: I substitute tater tots for the fries for extra crispiness on top.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 10–15 minutes until hot and bubbly. Microwaving works too, but baking revives the crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen?

Yes—I bake or pan-fry my own potato fries first, then layer them in the casserole just like the frozen version.

2. Can I make this ahead?

Definitely—I assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Then I bake it when I’m ready; I sometimes add a few extra minutes of bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written, since frozen fries may contain gluten. I use certified gluten-free fries and check ketchup/mustard labels to keep it GF.

4. Can I add vegetables?

Yes! I love stirring in diced bell peppers, corn, or even thinly sliced mushrooms into the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. I freeze cooled casserole in portions, then reheat them in the oven (350 °F for 15–20 minutes) from frozen or thawed—dish still tastes great.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is my go-to for a crowd-pleasing, cozy meal that’s both fun and filling. It’s simple to prep, endlessly customizable, and always gets devoured. I hope it becomes a staple in your recipe lineup!