Name: Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print Format) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 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

If you’re looking for a dish that turns childhood cravings into a downright irresistible dinner, look no further than Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print Format). Imagine all the comfort of a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, melty cheese, those essential tangy flavors—tucked into a casserole topped with golden, crispy fries instead of a bun. It’s the kind of recipe that gets people crowding around the kitchen, peeking into the oven, and fighting for seconds before the pan even hits the table.

Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print Format) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This casserole comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients you probably already love, each playing its own delicious role. From the rich beef and creamy soups to the signature burger sauce, every element layers together for a seriously craveable meal.

Ground beef: The heart of the casserole, giving that authentic burger flavor and juicy texture.
Shoestring French fries: Serve as the crispy topping and bring that essential fry crunch in every bite.
Cream of mushroom soup: Adds a savory base and helps create a velvety filling.
Cheddar cheese soup: Layers on cheesiness, lending a gooey, rich texture throughout.
Yellow onion, diced: Sautéed with the beef for sweet, aromatic flavor you can’t skip.
Minced garlic: Elevates the beef with a punch of aroma when sautéed briefly.
Cheddar cheese, shredded: Sprinkled over the top for irresistible bubbling, melty goodness.
Garlic powder: Boosts the savory dimension in the beef layer.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavors with a mellow, subtle kick.
Salt: Essential to bring all the flavors into balance.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite and warmth.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the signature burger sauce.
Ketchup: Brings sweetness and tang, echoing the best burger condiments.
Mustard: Lends a touch of classic zip to the sauce for a true cheeseburger finish.
Pickle juice: Provides that salty, tangy note which sets a great sauce apart.
Dehydrated onions: Add texture and that signature retro burger flavor in the sauce.
Extra black pepper (for sauce): Just a sprinkle ties the sauce together with a peppery edge.

How to Make Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print Format)

Step 1: Prepare the French Fries

Begin by firing up your air fryer and cooking the shoestring French fries according to the package directions. You want them crisp and golden, since they’re taking center stage as the casserole’s irresistible topping. This step ensures they keep their crunch even after baking.

Step 2: Get the Oven Ready

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This gives you time to prep the filling so everything goes smoothly from skillet to oven and bakes up hot and bubbly.

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions until there’s no pink left. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle just 30–45 seconds—that’s when your kitchen starts smelling amazing. Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then give it all a good stir. Remember to drain off any extra grease for a rich, not greasy, casserole.

Step 4: Mix in the Soups for Creamy Sauce

Add the cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup directly into your beef mixture, stirring until you have a thick, creamy filling. This is where the Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print Format) develops its luscious, comforting layers.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spoon that beefy, cheesy mixture into a 7×11 casserole dish. Next, pile on your cooked French fries in an even layer, and finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. This not only looks amazing in the oven, but it bakes up into those bubbly, cheesy pockets everyone loves.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10–15 minutes. The cheese will melt and the fries will get even crispier, turning your kitchen into the best-smelling spot on the block.

Step 7: Whip Up the Signature Burger Sauce

While the casserole bakes, grab a small bowl and mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and a sprinkle of black pepper until it’s smooth and creamy. This sauce takes your Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print Format) straight over the top, so don’t skip it!

Step 8: Drizzle and Serve

When the casserole is piping hot and golden, take it out of the oven. Drizzle your homemade sauce generously over the top just before serving and get ready for happy faces around the table. Enjoy every satisfying bite!

How to Serve Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print Format)

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sliced pickles for a fun pop of freshness. Sesame seeds scattered over the top mimic the classic burger bun experience and make for a cute presentation. If you’re feeling extra, a dash of smoked paprika looks fantastic against the golden fries.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed with pickles, or classic coleslaw for crunchy contrast. For a cozy meal, serve it alongside steamed green beans or a tray of roasted broccoli—the veggies help balance all that warm, satisfying cheesiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print Format) into squares and serve them as casual finger food. You can even layer it into bowls and let everyone top their own with extra burger sauce, jalapeños, or crumbled bacon. For a fun twist, build mini casserole “sliders” using round ramekins for single servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print Format) keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making leftovers a serious lunch upgrade.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Assemble the casserole up to the point just before baking (leave off the fries if you want maximum crispiness later). Wrap well with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before finishing in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot throughout, about 15–20 minutes. For crispier fries, remove the foil in the last few minutes or pop single servings under the broiler for a minute or two.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fries?

Definitely! Shoestring fries get extra crispy, but curly fries, crinkle cuts, or even tater tots will all work—they each give a slightly different texture and a fun twist to the classic Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print Format).

Can I swap the cream soups for something else?

Absolutely—feel free to use condensed cream of chicken or even cream of celery soup if you prefer. You can also use a homemade béchamel sauce for a from-scratch alternative.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! Simply bake or deep-fry your French fries according to the package instructions. The key is to get them crispy before assembling the casserole, so they don’t get soggy.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Choose gluten-free French fries and soups, which are widely available in most grocery stores. Double-check your condiments for hidden gluten, and you’re all set for a gluten-free Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print Format).

Is it possible to double the recipe for a party?

Absolutely! Just use a larger casserole dish or two 9×13 pans and double all the ingredients. It’s a total hit at potlucks, especially with extra sauce served on the side.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those hearty, all-in-one recipes you’ll want to make on repeat, whether it’s a casual weeknight or you’re feeding a crowd. If you love that classic burger-and-fries vibe, give Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print Format) a try—you and your guests will be racing for the leftovers!