French Fry Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheddar (Print version)
A cozy ground beef casserole layered with creamy cheddar sauce, golden frozen fries, and plenty of melted cheese.
# Ingredients:
For the beef layer
01 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) lean ground beef
02 -
1 small yellow onion, diced
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the fries
05 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 -
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
07 -
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
08 -
1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
09 -
2 tablespoons ketchup
10 -
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
For the topping
11 -
1 bag (26-28 oz or 735-795 g) frozen crinkle-cut french fries
12 -
2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
13 -
2 tablespoons sliced green onions or chopped parsley, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 -
Cook the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 7-9 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease.
03 -
Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, ketchup, and mustard. Cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and hot.
04 -
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar, then arrange the frozen fries over the top in a mostly single layer. Season the fries lightly with salt.
05 -
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the fries are hot and starting to crisp.
06 -
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar over the fries. Bake 4-5 minutes more until melted. Broil for 1-2 minutes if you want a browner top, watching closely.
07 -
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Top with green onions or parsley if using, then serve hot.
# Good to know:
01 -
Keep the fries frozen until layering for the crispest topping.
02 -
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes so the creamy beef layer settles before serving.
03 -
Best reheated in an oven or air fryer to revive the fries.