This is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal that brings together all the flavors of a cheeseburger and fries in a simple casserole. Juicy ground beef, creamy soup sauce, and a crisp French fry topping make it easy to feed a crowd without lots of work.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s fast, satisfying, and feels like a treat but without fuss. It bakes in one pan, so cleanup is minimal. The kids (and adults) adore the cheeseburger flavor wrapped up with crispy fries on top. And it’s easy to tweak with my favorite burger toppings or swap in different ingredients.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Garlic powder (optional)
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.5 oz) can cheddar cheese soup (or substitute another cheese soup)
1 bag (about 24–28 oz) frozen French fries (shoestring, crinkle, or your favorite style)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
(Optional) Worcestershire sauce
(Optional) Ketchup, mustard, or other burger-style sauces
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain off excess grease.
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Add the cans of cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup. Stir until everything is well blended and heated through. I sometimes stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of ketchup or mustard for extra flavor.
Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture (if I want cheese in the middle).
Arrange the frozen French fries in a single layer on top of the beef mixture.
Bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, or until the fries are turning golden and crisp.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the fries, and return to the oven just long enough to melt the cheese (about 5–10 more minutes).
Let it cool slightly before serving. I like to top it with pickles, tomatoes, or shredded lettuce for a full cheeseburger effect.
Servings and timing
Makes about 8 servings
Prep time: ~15–20 minutes
Bake time: ~30–40 minutes
Total time: ~45–60 minutes
Variations
Use tater tots instead of fries for a fun texture twist.
Swap in different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby.
Replace the cream of mushroom soup with more cheese soup or a homemade sauce.
Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
Serve with burger-style sauces like ketchup, mustard, or creamy dressing on top.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, I prefer using the oven or toaster oven at 350 °F to keep the fries crisp.
Microwaving works too, but the fries will be softer.
I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the texture of the fries may not hold up well after thawing.
FAQs
What kind of French fries work best?
I usually go with crinkle-cut or shoestring fries because they bake up crispy, but any frozen fry works. Just make sure they’re spread out in a single layer.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, I often assemble it up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is there a way to make it less salty or processed?
Definitely. I sometimes use reduced-sodium soups or make a quick homemade cheese sauce. Freshly grated cheese also gives me more control over the flavor.
Do I have to use both types of soup?
No, if I don’t have both on hand, I’ve used just one can of cheese soup or even substituted one with sour cream and extra shredded cheese. It’s very forgiving.
How do I keep the fries crispy?
I always spread the fries in a single layer and make sure not to overcrowd them. Baking uncovered helps them get golden, and using the oven instead of the microwave for leftovers keeps that crispness.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger French Fry Bake is my idea of comfort food done right—easy, filling, and totally customizable. Whether I’m feeding family or just want something cozy and crave-worthy, it’s a dish that never disappoints.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess grease.
Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup until blended. Optionally add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, or mustard for flavor.
Spread beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture (optional).
Arrange frozen French fries in a single layer over the beef mixture.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until fries are golden and crisp.
Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over fries and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, until cheese is melted.
Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with pickles, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce if desired.
Notes
Use tater tots instead of fries for a fun variation.
Try different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby.
Substitute soups with homemade cheese sauce or sour cream for less processed flavor.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for spice.
For crispier fries, bake uncovered and spread them evenly in a single layer.
