Cheesy French Fry Casserole: Easy Baked Recipe

Are you looking for a deliciously hearty and comforting dish for your next family dinner? Look no further than this mouth-watering French Fry Casserole Bake! Picture layers of golden, crinkle-cut fries, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all baked together to perfection. This casserole is bound to be a hit at the dinner table, with its irresistible combination of crispy fries and gooey cheese.

I first whipped up this French Fry Casserole Bake for my family, and it was an instant hit! The kids loved getting involved in the layering process, turning our weeknight dinner into a fun and interactive cooking activity. The star of this dish is definitely the cheddar cheese, which adds a rich and flavorful touch. I always make sure to sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving for that gooey, cheesy goodness.

Whether you’re a fan of classic American comfort food or just looking for a crowd-pleasing meal, this French Fry Casserole Bake is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, why not try making this bake for your next family dinner and watch as it disappears in no time? Get ready to indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the best of casseroles with everyone’s favorite crispy fries!

Quick Benefits

• Hearty and Comforting: A delicious and satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
• Kid-Friendly: Involves a fun layering step that kids can help with, turning dinner into a family project.
• Make-ahead Friendly: Can be assembled in advance, refrigerated, and baked just before serving for convenience.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily customizable with different proteins, cheeses, and vegetables to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy French Fry Casserole: Easy Baked Recipe Recipe

• Family Favorite: A comforting and hearty weeknight dinner that will make everyone at the table happy.
• Irresistible Combination: Layers of golden fries, rich ground beef, and cheesy sauce create a delicious and bubbling casserole.
• Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for a family dinner where everyone will want seconds and ask for it again soon.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping with the layering step, turning dinner into a fun family project.
• Make-Ahead: Can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Can be customized by swapping ground beef for turkey or chicken, or using different types of cheese or creamy condensed soups.
• Classic Comfort Food: Combines familiar flavors in a new way, blending the best of casseroles with crispy fries for a retro yet modern dish.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair it with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, pickles, or sour cream for a well-rounded meal.
• Freezer-Friendly: Portion and freeze for later, allowing for a convenient and delicious meal down the line.

Ingredients for Cheesy French Fry Casserole: Easy Baked Recipe

Frozen Potatoes

• 900 grams frozen crinkle-cut French fries

Seasonings

• 2 grams cracked black pepper
• 3.5 grams kosher salt

Meat & Onions

• 75 grams sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
• 900 grams lean ground beef

Sauces & Dairy

• 340 grams mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated, divided
• 10 milliliters Worcestershire sauce
• 298 grams cream of mushroom soup
• 298 grams cheddar cheese soup
• 30 milliliters half and half

Pro Tips for Cheesy French Fry Casserole: Easy Baked Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For an extra crispy texture, consider making your own crinkle-cut French fries by slicing fresh potatoes and baking them until crisp before layering in the casserole.

Pro Tip 2: If cheddar cheese soup is not available, you can use condensed cheese sauce or make a homemade cheese roux to achieve a similar creamy texture and flavor.

Pro Tip 3: To save time, assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This way, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time when needed.

How to Make Cheesy French Fry Casserole: Easy Baked Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Fries

Preheat oven to 190°C. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil and coat with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Bake French Fries

Place frozen crinkle-cut fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy, watching closely.

Step 3: Sauté Beef and Onion

While the fries are baking, cook lean ground beef and finely chopped onion in a large stockpot or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Stir frequently for 5-7 minutes until beef is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess liquids.

Step 4: Incorporate Sauces and Dairy

Lower the heat to medium. Combine cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, half and half, and Worcestershire sauce in the pot. Cook while stirring for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble Layers

Grease a 23×33 cm baking dish. Spread ground beef and soup mixture evenly in the dish. Top with 115 grams of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Add Fries and Final Cheese Layer

Evenly distribute baked fries over the cheddar layer. Sprinkle remaining 225 grams of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the fries.

Step 7: Final Bake and Serve

Bake assembled dish in the oven for 18-20 minutes until cheese is fully melted and beef layer is bubbling. Serve hot immediately.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the French Fry Casserole Bake, allow it to cool completely before covering and storing it in the refrigerator. It is important to let it cool to maintain the texture of the dish. The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven to keep the fries crisp rather than microwaving the whole dish.

If you have leftovers or want to prepare ahead of time, you can freeze the French Fry Casserole Bake for later consumption. Portion the cooled casserole and store it in airtight containers in the freezer. This way, you can conveniently reheat individual servings whenever you crave this comforting dish. Just make sure to thaw it properly before reheating for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer to avoid frozen French fries, you can slice fresh potatoes into crinkle shapes, season them lightly, and bake until crisp before layering them in the casserole. This substitution will add a fresh, homemade touch to the dish.

If you have difficulty finding cheddar cheese soup, you can use condensed cheese sauce or make a homemade cheese roux as a substitute. Both options will provide a similar creamy texture and cheesy flavor to the casserole.

For a lighter version of this French Fry Casserole Bake, you can opt to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. These proteins blend well with the sauces and seasonings, offering a healthier alternative while still maintaining the delicious flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving the French Fry Casserole Bake, try serving individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins. This not only adds a cute factor to the presentation but also allows everyone to have their own perfectly portioned dish to enjoy.

Another creative idea is to turn this casserole into a loaded fries bar for a casual gathering. Set out bowls of toppings like crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños, and sour cream for guests to customize their own French fry bake creations. This interactive and customizable setup will surely be a hit at your next party or game day gathering.

FAQs for Cheesy French Fry Casserole: Easy Baked Recipe

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen for this casserole?

Yes, slice fresh potatoes into crinkle shapes, lightly season, and bake until crisp before layering.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese soup with a different type of creamy sauce?

You may use condensed cheese sauce or a homemade cheese roux for similar creamy texture and flavor.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the components, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef in this recipe?

Ground turkey or chicken blend smoothly with the sauces and spices, offering a lighter option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, French Fry Casserole Bake is a delightful dish that brings together the best of comfort food flavors in a modern twist. The layers of crispy fries, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese sauce create a meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try some of the suggested variations, this casserole is bound to bring smiles to the dinner table.

So, next time you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying weeknight dinner option, give French Fry Casserole Bake a try. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds and eagerly anticipating the next time it graces your dinner menu. Enjoy the process of layering this delicious dish with your loved ones and savor the comforting flavors that make it a standout in the realm of casseroles.