Name: French Fry Casserole Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 ounces frozen crinkle-cut French fries ¾ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper 2 pounds lean ground beef ½ cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped 10; .5 ounces cream of mushroom soup 1; .5 ounces cheddar cheese soup 2 tablespoons half and half 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 3 cups mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated, divided into 1 cup and 2 cups

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French Fry Casserole Bake is the perfect blend of crispy, melty, and savory, making it an ideal dish for anyone who loves comfort food. The crinkle-cut fries add a crispy texture, while the seasoned ground beef, creamy soup, and cheddar cheese create a rich, flavorful filling. It’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepped in just 15 minutes, with the oven doing the work. Plus, it’s highly customizable and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

French Fry Casserole Bake

Ingredients

32 ounces frozen crinkle-cut French fries
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 pounds lean ground beef
½ cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup
2 tablespoons half and half
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3 cups mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated, divided into 1 cup and 2 cups

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread the entire bag of frozen crinkle-cut fries in a single layer over the prepared baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle the kosher salt and cracked black pepper over the frozen fries. Bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the fries are cooked and not soggy. Monitor closely as oven performance may vary.
While the fries are baking, add the ground beef and finely chopped onions to a 4 to 5-quart stockpot or a 10 to 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Stir often until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, half and half, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly spread the ground beef and soup mixture into the dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
Remove the fries from the oven. Carefully spread them over the shredded cheddar layer. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar on top of the fries.
Bake the casserole for 18-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the ground beef layer is bubbly. Serve while hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Overall time: 60 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground beef or mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.
Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy twist.
Toppings: Feel free to top with sour cream, chives for extra flavor.
Cheese Variety: Swap the mild cheddar for sharp cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh fries. Just make sure to bake them until they’re crispy before layering them in the casserole.

2. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. It will need a few extra minutes in the oven if baking from cold.

3. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.

4. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

5. How do I keep the fries crispy?

Bake the fries first before layering them in the casserole. This will ensure they stay crispy even after being topped with the beef mixture and cheese.

6. Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, you can experiment with different soups such as cream of celery or even a cheese-based soup if you prefer.

7. How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

Baking the fries first and draining any excess liquid from the ground beef mixture will help keep the casserole from becoming soggy.

8. Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is mild, but you can easily add heat by including ingredients like jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes.

9. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While you can use pre-shredded cheese, shredding cheese from the block will result in better melting and texture.

10. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the beef mixture is hot throughout.

Conclusion

This French Fry Casserole Bake is an irresistible dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its perfect combination of crispy fries, seasoned beef, and gooey cheese, it’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy, delicious dinner, this casserole delivers every time. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can make it your own with different ingredients or toppings. Enjoy!