Description
This Cheeseburger French Fry Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tangy pickles, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy baked French fries. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, it takes just 40 minutes to prepare and bake, making it a convenient and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef (or plant-based alternative)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 small onion, diced
Sauce and Toppings
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for topping)
Other
- 20 oz frozen French fries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to prevent sogginess.
- Season the Beef Mixture: Stir in salt, black pepper, ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble Base Layer: Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base of the bake.
- Add Pickles and Cheese: Sprinkle the chopped dill pickles evenly over the beef layer, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Top with French Fries: Spread the frozen French fries evenly over the top of the cheese layer to create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and serve hot for a comforting and tasty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option.
- Worcestershire sauce is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.
- Make sure to drain excess grease after cooking the beef to keep the bake from becoming too greasy.
