Name: Layered Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp ketchup; 1 tbsp mustard; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup; 1/4 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1 bag (about 20 oz) frozen French fries; Optional toppings: diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, crumbled bacon, green onions

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Layered Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. It’s loaded with savory ground beef, melty cheese, crispy French fries, and all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—baked into one gooey, golden dish. Whether I’m cooking for a crowd or just craving something hearty and fun, this casserole always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes the best parts of a cheeseburger and transforms them into a warm, bubbling casserole with layers of flavor and texture. It’s easy to throw together with frozen fries and pantry staples, and it’s just as satisfying as fast food—without the drive-thru. I can customize it with toppings like pickles, ketchup, mustard, or bacon, and it always disappears fast at the table.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
1/4 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 bag (about 20 oz) frozen French fries
Optional toppings: diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, crumbled bacon, green onions

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease.
Stir in garlic, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cheddar cheese soup and milk until smooth. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Layer the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Pour the cheese sauce over the beef and spread it evenly.
Arrange frozen French fries in a single layer over the top.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until fries are golden and crispy.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Add toppings if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. Total time is around 50 minutes, including 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or potlucks.

Variations

Bacon Cheeseburger Version: I mix in crumbled cooked bacon with the beef and sprinkle extra on top.
Spicy Kick: I add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Tater Tot Swap: I use tater tots instead of fries for a fun twist on the topping.
Pickle-Lover’s Style: I stir chopped dill pickles into the beef layer for that true burger flavor.
Double Cheese: I add American cheese slices between the beef and fries for an extra gooey layer.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes to keep the fries crispy. The microwave works too, but the fries will be softer. I avoid freezing this casserole since the fries tend to get soggy when thawed and reheated.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?

Yes, I can use homemade fries or sliced potatoes, but I make sure to par-cook them before layering so they crisp up in the oven.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the beef and cheese layers in advance and store them covered in the fridge. I add the fries right before baking so they stay crisp.

What kind of cheese works best?

I use cheddar for classic flavor, but I’ve also used pepper jack, mozzarella, or Colby Jack for variety. A mix of cheeses works great too.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely. I sometimes add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or tomatoes to the beef layer for extra flavor and texture.

How do I keep the fries crispy?

I bake the casserole uncovered and make sure the fries are in a single layer. For extra crispiness, I broil the top for the last few minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

Layered Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is the kind of hearty, cheesy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings big smiles and full stomachs. With bold flavors, a crisp topping, and rich, meaty layers, it’s the perfect solution when I’m craving comfort food that’s fun, fast, and over-the-top delicious.