Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole Recipe
This casserole is more than just a creative twist on two beloved foods; it’s also incredibly versatile and simple to prepare. With a handful of ingredients, you can have a filling dish ready in under an hour. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy fries creates a comforting and satisfying meal everyone will love. Plus, the dish is easily customizable, so you can add or remove ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this casserole, you’ll need:
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Ground beef
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Salt and pepper for seasoning
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Yellow onion for flavor
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Minced garlic
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Dill pickles (optional but adds a great tangy touch)
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Eggs
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Mayonnaise and half and half to create a creamy base
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Shredded cheese (cheddar is most common, but you can use your favorite type)
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Frozen shoestring fries
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Garlic powder to enhance flavor
For serving, you can add classic cheeseburger toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, or Thousand Island dressing.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Ground Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a baking dish with nonstick spray. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with diced onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Once the beef is fully cooked and browned, drain any excess fat and stir in chopped dill pickle (if you’re using it). Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
2. Make the Creamy Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, mayonnaise, and half and half. This mixture will create a creamy, binding base for the casserole. Pour it evenly over the ground beef layer in the baking dish.
3. Add the Cheese and Fries
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the beef mixture. Next, spread frozen shoestring fries on top, covering the entire dish. Season the fries with a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to add extra flavor.
4. Bake and Add the Final Touches
Bake the casserole uncovered for about 35 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Once the fries are done, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Return it to the oven for a few more minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese has melted and everything is bubbly and golden, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve with your favorite cheeseburger toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and your choice of condiments.
Tips for Success
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Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is a favorite for its melty goodness, you can experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a cheese blend.
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Pickle Lovers: If you enjoy the tanginess of pickles, don’t skip them! Dill pickles add a great crunch and flavor to the dish.
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Toppings Galore: Just like a real cheeseburger, this casserole is perfect for adding your favorite toppings. Consider adding bacon, onions, or a drizzle of ranch or barbecue sauce.
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Frozen Fries Work Best: Shoestring fries work well for this dish because they crisp up nicely in the oven. If you prefer another type of fry, feel free to swap it out, though thinner fries tend to work best.
Storing and Reheating
This casserole is great for leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Simply store it in an airtight container and reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm it up in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F. If you want to make the casserole ahead of time, you can assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Freezing Tips
This casserole can also be frozen for future meals. To freeze, prepare the dish as usual, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply cook it straight from the freezer, but keep in mind that you’ll need to add extra cooking time (about 60-75 minutes). Make sure the fries are fully cooked and crispy before serving.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole is a delicious and comforting meal that brings together the best of two classic dishes. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner or want to impress guests with a fun and unique twist on the cheeseburger, this casserole has everything you need. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re adding your favorite toppings or experimenting with different ingredients, this casserole is a great way to enjoy a cheeseburger without the bun.
