Enjoy a comforting main that combines the hearty satisfaction of cheeseburgers with crispy French fries, all layered in a single casserole. Ground beef is browned with onion and garlic, then blended with savory soups and placed beneath golden fries, scattered with cheddar, and baked to bubbling perfection. A tangy burger-inspired sauce is drizzled over just before serving for a flavorful finish. Perfect for gatherings or easy family dinners, this bake delivers big flavor with simple preparation and familiar ingredients.
Cheeseburger French Fry Bake brings together everything I love about a backyard burger with the ease of an all-in-one casserole. Think juicy ground beef, crispy golden fries, gooey cheddar and a tangy burger sauce drizzled on top. This is the dish I pull out when friends come over for game night or when my kids are asking for a treat that feels fun but is still rich and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Feeds a crowd and makes great leftovers
Perfect for beginners or busy weeknights
Delivers true cheeseburger flavor in every bite
I first layered this up one snowy Friday when takeout was not an option and we needed some comfort. Now it is my go-to for family weekends and potlucks because nobody can resist those crispy fries and cheesy layers.
Ingredients
Ground beef: choose 80 20 for best flavor and juiciness
Shoestring French fries: look for frozen fries that crisp well in the air fryer
Cream of mushroom soup: brings creamy richness and holds the layers together
Cheddar cheese soup: adds tangy depth to the beef
Yellow onion: for sweetness and extra flavor
Minced garlic: fresh is best but jarred works for busy nights
Cheddar cheese: shredded off the block melts most smoothly
Garlic powder and onion powder: boost the burger flavor
Salt and black pepper: adjust to your taste
Mayonnaise: creamy base for the burger sauce
Ketchup: adds sweetness and classic burger bite
Mustard: a hint of sharpness in the sauce
Pickle juice: gives tang and keeps the sauce from feeling heavy
Dehydrated onions: classic diner flavor with a little crunch
Ezoic
A dish of food in a glass bowl.
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A dish of food in a glass bowl. | gracefulflavors.com
Tips
Choose fries that cook up extra crispy such as seasoned or crinkle cut if that is your family’s favorite. For cheddar, always shred your own for the best melt and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Fries:
Cook the French fries in your air fryer according to package directions so they get extra crispy. This prevents sogginess in the casserole.
Brown the Beef and Aromatics:
Add ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the beef as it cooks. Once there is no pink left, add minced garlic and cook for just under a minute until fragrant. Season with both powders, salt, and pepper. Always drain off the extra fat so the casserole is not greasy.
Mix the Sauce Base:
With the heat still on low, gently stir in the cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup until everything is combined and creamy. The mixture should look smooth with no streaks.
Layer It Up:
Spoon the beef mixture into a 7 by 11 casserole dish. Spread it evenly for consistent baking. Layer the crispy French fries over the top making sure some hang over the edges for the crispiest finish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top for that gooey baked layer.
Bake the Casserole:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You are looking for bubbling edges and the cheddar on top to be fully melted and golden at the edges.
Mix up the Burger Sauce:
In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise ketchup mustard pickle juice dehydrated onions and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until smooth. Let the flavors meld while the casserole bakes.
Finish and Serve:
Once the cheesy fries are golden and bubbly drizzle the burger sauce generously across the casserole. Cut into squares and serve hot.
