If you’ve ever dreamed of combining two classic comfort foods into one unforgettable dish, I’m about to make your day with this irresistible Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole Recipe. This hearty, cheesy casserole brings all the flavors you love from a cheeseburger and your favorite crispy fries into a cozy, oven-baked meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, melty American cheese, and crispy crinkle-cut fries, plus that special burger sauce and fresh toppings, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for this Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole Recipe couldn’t be easier. Each ingredient plays a key role — from the crispy fries that form a golden base to the flavorful seasoned beef and creamy cheese melted to perfection.
- 1 28-ounce bag frozen Grown In Idaho Super Crispy Crinkle Cut Fries: These fries bake up perfectly crisp and sturdy to hold all the toppings without getting soggy.
- 1 pound ground beef: The savory heart of the casserole, providing rich, meaty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon dry minced onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors throughout.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper: Just enough to add a touch of warmth and balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings in a hint of garlicky aroma to the beef.
- 2 cups shredded American cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers that classic cheeseburger gooeyness.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creamy base for the signature burger sauce drizzle.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang to the burger sauce.
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce with a little zesty kick.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smoky flavor and a pop of color to the sauce.
- Diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped dill pickles, and optional bacon bits: Fresh and crisp toppings for that authentic burger finish.
How to Make Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Fries
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and hot for crisping up those fries. Spread your frozen Grown In Idaho Super Crispy Crinkle Cut Fries evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, remembering to stir halfway through so every fry gets golden and crunchy. These fries lay the crunchy foundation for your casserole’s delicious layers.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While your fries are baking, get a skillet heating over medium-high and add your ground beef with the dry minced onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use a spoon or spatula to crumble the beef as it cooks, stirring frequently for even browning. In about 8 to 10 minutes, your beef will be perfectly browned and fragrant. Drain any excess grease by transferring the beef to a paper towel-lined plate to keep the casserole from getting too greasy.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Once the fries come out crisp and ready, turn them gently to make sure they’re evenly spread. Sprinkle half of the shredded American cheese over the fries, then carefully layer on the cooked ground beef mixture. Top it all off with the remaining cheese for that irresistible gooey melt. Slide the casserole back into the oven for another 10 minutes so the cheese melts into a luscious blanket of flavor.
Step 4: Make the Burger Sauce
While your casserole finishes baking, whip up the burger sauce by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, and paprika in a small bowl. This tangy, creamy sauce will add that special touch that pulls the whole dish together and nuzzles in all those classic cheeseburger flavors.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Toppings
Once the casserole is out of the oven, drizzle your homemade burger sauce generously over the top. Then crown your creation with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped dill pickles, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle on some crispy bacon bits. These fresh toppings brighten the dish and turn it into a true, hearty meal experience.
How to Serve Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your casserole is where you get to personalize each serving and add layers of flavor and texture. Consider extra shredded cheese for melty goodness, a sprinkle of chopped green onions for freshness, or an extra drizzle of your burger sauce for sauciness. Fresh herbs like parsley can add a pop of color too!
Side Dishes
Your casserole is a filling meal by itself, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or some steamed veggies adds balance and variety. A light cucumber salad or tangy coleslaw helps cut through the richness of the dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your friends or family, serve individual portions in mini ramekins or deep-dish bowls right out of the oven. You could also transform leftovers into loaded casserole sliders by scooping the mixture onto soft buns for an easy, fun handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and textures. The fries might soften a bit, but reheating carefully will bring the good stuff back.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking for convenient meal prep. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake following the original instructions.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. A little extra time under the broiler can help crisp up the fries again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While American cheese gives that classic melty texture, you can swap in cheddar, pepper jack, or a cheese blend to suit your taste and add some extra flavor.
Do I have to use frozen crinkle-cut fries?
Frozen crinkle-cut fries work best here because they maintain crispness during baking, but you could experiment with curly or waffle fries for a fun twist. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Is this casserole spicy?
This Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole Recipe is mild and kid-friendly by default, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the beef mixture if you like a little kick.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure your fries are labeled gluten-free and double-check any seasoning blends. This recipe is easy to adapt without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Try substituting the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use a meat-free cheese alternative for a delicious vegetarian take on this casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food magic captured in one delightful dish. It’s simple to make, satisfying, and full of flavor that everyone will love. Next time you want that classic burger and fries combo with less fuss and more family time, give this casserole a try — I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals too!
Print
Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines crispy crinkle cut fries with seasoned ground beef and melted American cheese, topped with a tangy homemade sauce and fresh burger toppings. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner, this casserole delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in an easy-to-make baked casserole form.
Ingredients
Fries
- 1 28-ounce bag frozen Grown In Idaho Super Crispy Crinkle Cut Fries
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon dry minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded American cheese
Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Toppings
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped dill pickles
- Optional: bacon bits
Instructions
- Prepare Fries: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Spread the frozen crinkle cut fries evenly in the bottom of a 9”x13” baking dish. Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Be sure to stir the fries halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and become super crispy.
- Cook Ground Beef: While the fries are baking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with the dry minced onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Use a spatula to crumble the beef as it cooks. Sauté until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the cooked beef on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
- Assemble Casserole: When the fries are done, remove the baking dish from the oven and turn the fries to mix them. Sprinkle half of the shredded American cheese evenly over the fries. Next, layer the browned ground beef mixture on top of the cheese. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the beef.
- Bake Casserole: Return the assembled casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and everything to heat through.
- Prepare Sauce and Add Toppings: While the casserole bakes, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, and paprika in a small bowl, mixing well. After baking, drizzle this tangy sauce over the top of the casserole. Finish by sprinkling diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped dill pickles, and optional bacon bits on top to mimic classic cheeseburger toppings.
Notes
- Use frozen fries with a thick cut for best texture and crispiness.
- Feel free to substitute American cheese with cheddar or your favorite melting cheese for a different flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mix.
- Bacon bits add extra smoky flavor but are optional for meat lovers.
- Make sure to drain the cooked beef to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
