French Fry Casserole Bake

by

Introduction:

Craving comfort food that’s hearty, indulgent, and incredibly easy to prepare? This French Fry Casserole Bake is the perfect dish. Combining crispy French fries, savory ground beef, creamy soup, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, this bake is a crowd-pleaser for weeknights, game days, or casual family dinners. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and irresistibly satisfying.

Origin:

Casseroles have been a staple of American Midwest comfort food since the early 1900s, often built around pantry staples like cream soups and starches. This version adds a fun twist by using frozen French fries instead of the usual noodles or potatoes, creating a satisfying crunchy layer that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling underneath.

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 (26–28 oz) bag frozen French fries (crinkle cut or shoestring)

Optional Ingredients/Substitutes:

  • Add frozen peas, corn, or green beans for veggies.
  • Use tater tots instead of fries for a different texture.
  • Mix in cooked bacon bits or top with green onions.
  • Try jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Replace soup with homemade cream sauce if avoiding canned foods.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat.
  3. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix well.
  4. Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  5. Top the beef layer with an even layer of frozen French fries.
  6. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until fries are golden and crispy.
  7. Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheese over the fries, and bake for another 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted.
  8. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.

Tips for Success:

  • Don’t thaw the French fries before baking—keep them frozen for crispiness.
  • Use sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses for deeper flavor.
  • Add a crunchy topping like fried onions or crushed chips for extra texture.
  • Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.

Recommendations:

  • Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness.
  • Perfect for potlucks—just assemble ahead and bake when needed.
  • Make it a Tex-Mex version with taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep fries crispy.

Nutrition (approx. per serving – based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 520
  • Fat: 32g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Net Carbs: 32g

(Nutrition varies depending on type/brand of fries, cheese, and cream soup used.)

Leave a Comment