This irresistible cheeseburger French fry bake combines all your favorite burger flavors into one amazing casserole dish. With crispy golden fries, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and classic burger sauce, this comfort food recipe is perfect for family dinners, game day, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying.
Why This Cheeseburger Fry Bake is Amazing
This easy casserole recipe takes the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger and transforms them into a hearty, shareable dish. The combination of crispy French fries as the base, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese creates the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80–85% lean)
- 1 bag (28–32 oz) shoestring French fries
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or burger sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Cheeseburger French Fry Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the beef is completely browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 3: Create the Base Layer
Spread half of the frozen French fries evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked ground beef mixture, distributing it evenly over the fries. Drizzle with half of the ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.
Step 4: Build the Second Layer
Add the remaining French fries on top, followed by the rest of the ground beef mixture. Drizzle with the remaining ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire surface.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. The dish is ready when the French fries are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped pickles and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty cheeseburger fry bake serves 6-8 people and pairs perfectly with:
- A crisp green salad or coleslaw
- Pickles and onion rings on the side
- Ice-cold sodas or beer
- Fresh tomato slices
- Your favorite burger condiments for extra flavor
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cheeseburger fry bake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the fries regain some crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fries soggy.
Recipe Variations and Tips
Cheese Options: Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack for spice, or add cream cheese for extra richness.
Vegetable Additions: Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapeños with the ground beef for extra flavor and nutrition.
Sauce Variations: Experiment with different burger sauces, ranch dressing, or even BBQ sauce for unique flavor profiles.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble this casserole up to 4 hours ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Information
This comfort food recipe is rich in protein from the ground beef and provides energy from the French fries. While it’s an indulgent dish, you can make it slightly lighter by using leaner ground beef (90% lean) or reducing the amount of cheese.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, feeding a hungry family, or looking for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love, this cheeseburger French fry bake delivers on all fronts. It’s comfort food at its finest – familiar flavors in a new, exciting format that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite.
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the convenience of a casserole with the irresistible taste of a classic cheeseburger and fries!
