Ultimate Loaded Cheeseburger Fries

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this mouthwatering Layered Cheeseburger French Fry casserole. Picture layers of savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and crispy shoestring fries, all baked together to golden perfection. This recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

I can’t get enough of the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this dish. The crispy edge fries are my personal favorite, offering the perfect crunch with every bite. And let’s not forget about the secret sauce – it adds that extra special touch reminiscent of your favorite diner cheeseburger.

Whether you’re a meat lover or looking for a lighter option, feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or chicken. And if you’re feeling adventurous, customize your casserole with toppings like diced pickles, tomatoes, or jalapeños for added pizzazz. Trust me, this Layered Cheeseburger French Fry casserole will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation, satisfying even the pickiest of eaters.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or cozy weeknight dinners – it comes together quickly and disappears fast from the table.
• Irresistible Flavor Fusion: Enjoy the joy of a cheeseburger with crispy fries in every bite, enhanced by rich beef, velvety cheese, and tangy burger sauce.
• Customizable and Versatile: Easily swap ingredients like ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles, or customize with additional toppings like diced pickles, tomatoes, or jalapeños.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Ultimate Loaded Cheeseburger Fries Recipe

• Convenience meets satisfaction: This recipe is a one-dish wonder that combines the joy of cheeseburgers and crispy fries in every bite, perfect for family gatherings or game nights.
• Irresistible flavor profile: Rich beef, velvety cheese, and tangy burger sauce come together to create a craveworthy dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Crispy texture: The crispy edge fries after baking are a highlight, providing a satisfying crunch that you’ll keep coming back for.
• Customizable and versatile: You can easily swap ingredients like ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles, or use different types of fries to suit your preferences.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the casserole in advance and bake it just before serving for a convenient meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
• Nostalgic meets modern: This recipe offers a nostalgic twist on classic cheeseburgers and diner fries, with a saucy topping reminiscent of Big Mac sauce that’s sure to please.
• Family-friendly: Get the kids involved by letting them add their own cheese or sauce swirls, making it a fun and interactive meal.
• Leftover perfection: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days and reheat in the oven for that freshly baked crispness every time.

Ingredients for Ultimate Loaded Cheeseburger Fries

Main

• 300 grams cream of mushroom soup
• 15 grams minced garlic
• 300 grams cheddar cheese soup
• 800 grams shoestring French fries
• 60 grams cheddar cheese, shredded
• 5 grams garlic powder
• 900 grams ground beef
• Salt, to taste
• 5 grams onion powder
• 80 grams yellow onion, diced
• Black pepper, to taste

Sauce

• 2 grams dehydrated onions
• 120 grams mayonnaise
• Black pepper, to taste
• 60 grams ketchup
• 15 grams yellow mustard
• 5 millilitres pickle juice

Pro Tips for Ultimate Loaded Cheeseburger Fries

Pro tip #1: For extra flavor, consider browning the ground beef with the diced onions and minced garlic before layering it in the casserole. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish and add a delicious depth to the beef.

Pro tip #2: To achieve maximum crispiness, bake or air fry the shoestring fries separately before assembling the casserole. This will ensure the fries maintain their crunchiness and texture even after being layered with the sauces and baked in the oven.

Pro tip #3: Customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences. Try adding diced pickles, tomatoes, jalapeños, or any other favorite burger toppings either before baking or as a garnish when serving. This will give the casserole a fresh and personalized touch that elevates the flavors.

How to Make Ultimate Loaded Cheeseburger Fries

Step 1: Crisp the French fries

Preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions and cook the French fries. Set aside.

Step 2: Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

Step 3: Prepare beef mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onions until beef is no longer pink. Add minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Incorporate soups

Combine cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup with the beef mixture until well mixed.

Step 5: Assemble casserole

Spread the beef mixture in a 28×18 cm (7×11 inch) casserole dish. Layer cooked French fries on top and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Place in a preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.

Step 7: Prepare sauce

Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, dehydrated onions, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix until smooth.

Step 8: Finish and serve

Before serving, drizzle burger sauce over the hot casserole.

Storage Tips

Once the Layered Cheeseburger French Fry casserole is prepared and cooked, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the best texture and flavor when reheating, it is recommended to use the oven or toaster oven. Microwaving may soften the fries, so oven reheating is preferred to help the fries crisp up again and retain their crunchiness.

For those looking to prepare the casserole in advance, it can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or when hosting gatherings. By baking it just before serving, you ensure the dish maintains its optimal taste and texture.

To add extra flavor and variation to the casserole, feel free to customize with additional toppings such as diced pickles, tomatoes, or jalapeños before baking or as a garnish when serving. These additions can elevate the dish with different textures and flavors, giving it a personalized touch to suit your preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option, you can use lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken as a substitution for the ground beef in this recipe. These alternatives will still provide a flavorful base for your casserole while reducing the overall fat content.

While shoestring fries are recommended for their crispy texture, crinkle-cut or steak fries can be used as a substitute if that’s what you have on hand. Just ensure they are baked or air fried until crispy before assembling the casserole to maintain their texture in the dish.

If you don’t have cheddar cheese soup, you can simply use more cream of mushroom soup and increase the amount of shredded cheese for that cheesy flavor. This substitution will still deliver a creamy and cheesy layer to your casserole without compromising on taste.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive twist, try serving this Layered Cheeseburger French Fry casserole in individual mini skillets or ramekins. Let each person customize their own portion by adding extra cheese, pickles, or diced tomatoes before baking. This not only makes for a visually appealing presentation but also allows for a personalized dining experience that everyone will enjoy.

To elevate the dish even further, consider topping each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an added kick. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, savory beef, and crispy fries lends itself well to various toppings, so don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor each serving to suit different taste preferences. Serve with a side of tangy coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the richness of the casserole and create a well-rounded meal that is sure to satisfy.

FAQs for Ultimate Loaded Cheeseburger Fries

Can I use lean ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, lean ground beef works well. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Can I use a different type of fries instead of shoestring fries?

Shoestring fries bake up crisp and complement the layers, but crinkle-cut or steak fries are also suitable.

Can I assemble the casserole in advance and bake it later?

Assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Should I bake or air fry the fries before layering them in the casserole?

Bake or air fry the fries first to crisp them. This helps maintain texture once layered and baked.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Layered Cheeseburger French Fry casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of cheeseburgers and crispy fries in a comforting and satisfying dish. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. The layers of beef, cheese, and saucy goodness create a harmony of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and adaptations to suit your preferences. This versatile dish can easily accommodate leaner meats, different types of fries, and various add-ons to make it your own. Remember to savor those crispy edge fries and enjoy the process of layering each component to build a delicious masterpiece. Layered Cheeseburger French Fry casserole is a delightful twist on classic comfort food that will have your loved ones asking for seconds every time.