Description
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining crispy air-fried shoestring fries, savory ground beef in a cheesy mushroom-cheddar sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and finished with a creamy burger sauce. Perfect for a hearty family meal that blends classic cheeseburger flavors in an easy-to-prepare casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste (divided use)
- 1/2 teaspoon dehydrated onions
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Soups and Cheeses
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cheddar cheese soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
French Fries
- 1 bag (28 ounces) shoestring French fries
Burger Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook French Fries: Follow the package directions to air fry the shoestring French fries until they are crispy. Once cooked, set them aside while you prepare the rest of the casserole.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) ensuring it is fully heated before baking the casserole.
- Brown Beef and Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced yellow onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a portion of the black pepper. Drain excess grease from the pan.
- Add Soups and Combine: Reduce the heat to medium and add the cheddar cheese soup and cream of mushroom soup to the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cheesy beef mixture into a 7×11 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Layer the crispy air-fried French fries over the top followed by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the fries.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Prepare Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, ketchup, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and the remaining black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately drizzle the burger sauce evenly over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the rich cheeseburger flavors in every bite.
Notes
- Using air-fried French fries ensures they stay crispy in the casserole; baking frozen fries directly might produce soggier results.
- Drain the grease after browning the beef to avoid an overly greasy casserole.
- The burger sauce adds a tangy complement, but it can be served on the side for dipping if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
