I love this casserole because it’s the perfect mix of indulgent and nostalgic. It’s loaded with beefy, cheesy goodness and topped with golden fries for a fun twist that’s always a hit with kids and adults alike. The burger sauce adds a tangy finish that ties everything together. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just looking for something cozy to serve on a weeknight, this casserole never disappoints.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Main Ingredients: ground beef shoestring French fries cream of mushroom soup cheddar cheese soup yellow onion, diced minced garlic shredded cheddar cheese garlic powder onion powder salt black pepper
Burger Sauce Ingredients: mayonnaise ketchup yellow mustard pickle juice dehydrated onions black pepper
Directions
First, I preheat the air fryer and cook the shoestring fries according to the package directions until they’re golden and crisp. I set them aside while I prepare the rest of the dish.
I preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I brown the ground beef and diced onion, breaking it up until there’s no pink left. I add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30–45 seconds, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I drain off any excess fat.
Next, I reduce the heat and stir in the cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup, combining everything until the beef is coated in a rich, creamy sauce.
I transfer the beef mixture to a 7×11-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Then I layer the cooked fries over the top in a single layer, and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
I bake the casserole in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
While the casserole bakes, I whisk together the burger sauce—mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and black pepper—in a small bowl until smooth.
Once the casserole is out of the oven, I drizzle the burger sauce over the top and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 servings. Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I swap the beef for ground turkey or add chopped pickles and tomatoes after baking for an even more “burger” feel. If I want it spicy, I stir a bit of hot sauce into the beef or top with sliced jalapeños. I’ve also used tater tots instead of fries for a fun twist.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I store them in an airtight container. To reheat, I use the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness of the fries. I avoid the microwave unless I don’t mind softer fries.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fries?
Yes, I always use frozen fries for convenience. I cook them first in the air fryer or oven to ensure they stay crispy after baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. I cook the fries and assemble everything just before baking for best texture.
What can I substitute for the soups?
If I don’t have cream of mushroom or cheddar cheese soup, I make a quick cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese. It works just as well.
Is the burger sauce necessary?
It adds a great flavor boost, but I’ve made it without when short on time. It’s still delicious—just a little less “burger-like.”
Can I freeze the casserole?
I don’t recommend freezing it once assembled because the fries can get soggy. But I do freeze the cooked beef mixture and add fresh fries later when ready to bake.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is one of those cozy, crowd-pleasing meals I come back to again and again. It’s easy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—everything I want in a comfort food dinner. Whether I’m making it for a weekend meal or prepping it ahead for a busy weeknight, it always hits the spot.
This hearty casserole layers seasoned ground beef, crispy fries, melty cheese, and tangy burger sauce for the ultimate family-friendly comfort meal.
Author:Sarah
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:8 servings
Category:Main Dishes
Method:Oven-Baked, Skillet, Air Fryer
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 bag (28 oz) shoestring French fries
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cheddar cheese soup
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Burger Sauce Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp pickle juice
1/2 tsp dehydrated onions
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Fries:
Preheat air fryer and cook shoestring fries until golden and crisp per package instructions. Set aside.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
Prepare the Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until no pink remains. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease.
Add Soups:
Reduce heat to medium and stir in cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the beef mixture evenly into a 7×11 inch casserole dish. Arrange the cooked French fries on top in a single layer. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake:
Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted.
Make Burger Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and black pepper until smooth.
Serve:
Drizzle burger sauce over the hot casserole just before serving.
Notes
For extra fry crispness, cool fries on a wire rack before adding to the casserole.
Serve with a side salad or dill pickles for a full cheeseburger experience.
You can substitute tater tots or waffle fries if desired.
