French Fry Casserole Recipe

Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide for making French Fry Casserole. This recipe is a fantastic mix of comfort food, loaded with crispy French fries, seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress a crowd, this casserole will surely satisfy!


French Fry Casserole Recipe

Total Time: 50 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 6 servings


Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or substitute with cream of chicken soup)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag (32 oz) frozen French fries (crinkle-cut, shoestring, or your choice)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: Sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, jalapeños

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick to the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles, until browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from being greasy.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This creates the creamy sauce that will add moisture and richness to the casserole. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  2. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the beef and spread it out evenly.
  3. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef and soup mixture.
  4. Arrange the frozen French fries in a single layer on top of the cheese. You can use crinkle-cut, shoestring, or any variety of fries you prefer.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese over the fries for extra cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra crispy fries, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set.
Serve hot, topped with your favorite optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, or jalapeños.


Customization and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are some ideas:

  • Protein Swap:
    Use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage in place of ground beef. If you prefer a vegetarian option, skip the meat and add more veggies for a hearty, meatless casserole.
  • Different Fries:
    Swap out regular French fries for tater tots, waffle fries, or curly fries for a fun twist on texture and flavor.
  • Cheese Choices:
    Try using different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack (for a little spice).
  • Add More Veggies:
    Boost the nutrition of the dish by adding veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté them with the ground beef for extra flavor.
  • Make It Healthier:
    Use ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein, swap regular fries for sweet potato fries, use low-fat cheese, and try Greek yogurt as a topping instead of sour cream.

Tips for Success

  • Frozen Fries:
    Be sure to use frozen fries—this ensures they crisp up properly. If you use fresh fries, they may not crisp as well, and you might need to adjust the baking time.
  • Don’t Overload with Sauce:
    Stick to the recommended amount of sauce to avoid the casserole becoming soggy. If you add too much sauce, the fries won’t get as crispy.
  • Drain the Beef:
    Always drain the excess fat from the ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole.

Serving Suggestions

  • Side Salad:
    Pair with a fresh, crisp salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole.
  • Game Day Food:
    This casserole is perfect for serving at parties, especially alongside other finger foods like wings, nachos, or sliders.
  • Vegetables:
    Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a veggie medley for added nutrition.

Make Ahead Tips

  • Prepare Ahead:
    You can prepare the ground beef and layer the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if it’s been refrigerated.
  • Freezing for Later:
    This casserole is freezer-friendly! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can I use fresh French fries instead of frozen?
    Yes, but keep in mind that frozen fries are pre-cooked and crisp up better in the oven. If using fresh fries, you may need to bake them a little longer to get them crispy.
  • Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
    Yes! Use gluten-free cream soup or make your own, and choose gluten-free fries.
  • How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Final Thoughts

The French Fry Casserole is an incredibly easy and satisfying dish. It’s comforting, hearty, and full of flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—whether you’re sticking to the classic or adding your own spin, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!


Enjoy making and devouring your French Fry Casserole! 😋

About Author

Arone.H is a Features Writer at Go astuces , where they share their passion for style, hair, and nails through every piece they create.

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