🍔🍟 Cheeseburger French Fry Bake
Ingredients
Main
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp mustard powder (or 1 Tbsp yellow mustard)
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup
- 1/4–1/2 cup milk or water
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 Tbsp dill pickle relish (optional)
- 1 bag (24 oz) frozen shoestring French fries
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or cheddar–jack, divided
Optional Toppings
- Cooked bacon bits
- Sliced green onions or chopped parsley
- Chopped dill pickles
Instructions
- Pre-crisp the fries: Heat oven to
425°F / 220°C. Bake fries on a sheet pan for 12–15 minutes until starting to crisp. - Cook the beef: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Brown beef with onion (6–8 min). Drain fat; add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, mustard powder and Worcestershire. Cook 1 min.
- Make the sauce: Stir in soup, milk/water, ketchup, mustard and relish; simmer 2–3 min to thicken. Off heat, mix in 1/2 cup cheese.
- Assemble: Grease a 9×13 in (23×33 cm) casserole. Layer half the fries → all beef mixture → remaining fries. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake: 12–15 minutes until bubbly and fries are crisp. Broil 1–2 minutes for extra color if desired.
- Finish: Rest 5 minutes, add toppings, and serve hot.
Optional Burger Sauce Drizzle
Whisk together 1/3 cup mayo, 2 Tbsp ketchup, 1 Tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp relish and a splash of pickle juice. Drizzle over the hot bake.
Tips & Swaps
- No condensed soup? Use 8 oz cream cheese + 1/2 cup beef broth instead.
- Fries: tots or waffle fries work great.
- Add veggies: sauté diced bell pepper or mushrooms with the onions.
- Halal-friendly: skip bacon toppings and use halal Worcestershire (or soy sauce + pinch of sugar).
Serve with a crisp salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. Enjoy!
