Description
This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish combining crispy air-fried shoestring fries with a savory cheesy ground beef mixture, baked to bubbly perfection and topped with a tangy homemade burger sauce. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner or casual gathering, it merges classic cheeseburger flavors with a crispy French fry twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cheddar cheese soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
French Fries
- 1 bag (28 ounces) shoestring French fries
- Salt to taste (optional, if desired after air frying)
Toppings and Sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dehydrated onions
- Black pepper to taste (for sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook French Fries: Follow the package directions to air fry the shoestring French fries until crispy and golden. Set them aside while preparing the rest of the dish.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Brown Beef and Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add Soups and Combine: Reduce heat to medium, then stir in the cheddar cheese soup and cream of mushroom soup. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture into a 7×11 inch casserole dish evenly. Layer the crispy air-fried French fries over the beef mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the fries.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Prepare Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, ketchup, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and black pepper until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately drizzle or spread the burger sauce over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious blend of cheeseburger flavors and crispy fries.
Notes
- You can use fresh fries and bake or deep fry them if you don’t have an air fryer, but air frying produces the crispiest texture with less oil.
- Adjust seasoning and cheese quantity to taste or dietary preferences.
- The burger sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
- Using a larger casserole dish may require adjustment to baking time.
- For added texture, consider topping with sliced pickles or diced tomatoes when serving.
