Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

When you’re craving burgers and fries but need something that works for a busy weeknight, this Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is your answer – all the flavours you love in one easy pan!

Made with seasoned beef, a tangy ketchup-mustard sauce, melted cheese, and crispy fries on top, this casserole is pure comfort food. It’s similar to my other family favourites like Chicken Rissoles and Homemade Sausage Rolls – simple, satisfying, and always a hit!

I originally planned to grill burgers one evening, but life had other plans (hello, last-minute football match!). Instead of stressing, I threw together this casserole using the same ingredients I’d already pulled out. The result? A dinner that tasted just like burgers and fries, but without the fuss of standing over the grill.

The best part is how the fries crisp up beautifully on top while everything underneath gets bubbly and delicious. Even the next day, the leftovers are fantastic – I reheat mine in the oven to keep those fries nice and crunchy!

Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe

One pan wonder – everything cooks together in a single 9×13-inch baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Kid-approved – tastes just like burgers and fries, which means even fussy eaters will dig in!
Budget-friendly – uses simple ingredients like mince, frozen fries, and pantry staples.
Make-ahead friendly – prep it in the afternoon and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Customisable – add bacon, swap the fries for tater tots, or throw in some jalapeños for a bit of heat!
Great for leftovers – this casserole reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day.

Jump to:

Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe
Casserole Ingredients
How To Make Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole
Expert Tips
FAQs
Related Recipes

Casserole Ingredients

This cheeseburger casserole uses ingredients you likely already have on hand – nothing fancy required!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Ground beef – lean beef mince works best to avoid excess grease. You can also use turkey or chicken mince for a lighter option.
French fries – a 24oz bag of frozen fries is perfect. Feel free to use tater tots instead if that’s what you prefer!
Cheddar cheese – freshly grated cheddar melts beautifully, but pre-shredded works too.
Cream of mushroom soup – this adds creaminess and binds everything together. Cream of potato or cream of cheddar would also work well.
Ketchup and mustard – these give the casserole that classic burger flavour.
Dill pickle relish – adds a tangy kick that really makes this taste like a proper cheeseburger! Use regular dill relish or sweet relish, whichever you have.
Garlic – freshly minced garlic adds depth of flavour.

How To Make Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

This casserole comes together so quickly – perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1: Cook the beef

Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain the fat using a colander, then transfer the cooked beef to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine the dill pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, minced garlic, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Layer the casserole

Pour the sauce mixture over the ground beef in the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then arrange the frozen french fries in a single layer over everything.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven for about 40 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crispy on top.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Dig in while it’s hot!

Expert Tips

These handy tips will help you make the best cheeseburger french fry casserole!

Drain the beef well – excess grease can make the casserole soggy, so make sure to drain it thoroughly.
Don’t skip the garlic – it adds so much flavour to the sauce!
For extra crispy fries – if you want the fries even crispier, pop the casserole under the grill for 3-4 minutes at the end of cooking.
Add cooked bacon – crumble some cooked bacon over the beef layer for a bacon cheeseburger version!
Swap the fries – tater tots work brilliantly in place of french fries if that’s what you have on hand.
Make it spicy – add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a kick.
Double the recipe – this casserole feeds a crowd, so it’s perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Simply use two baking dishes.
Store leftovers – keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the fries crispy.

FAQs

Can I use sweet relish instead of dill relish?

Absolutely! Use whichever type of relish you prefer or have on hand – both work well in this recipe.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole in the afternoon, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

Cream of potato, cream of cheddar, or cream of chicken soup all work well. You could even make a simple white sauce if you prefer.

Can I freeze this casserole?

You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.

How do I make the fries extra crispy?

For crispier fries, place the casserole under the grill for 3-4 minutes at the end of cooking. Keep a close eye on it so the fries don’t burn!

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

You could, but you’d need to par-cook sliced or cubed potatoes first. Frozen fries are much easier and give consistent results!

Related Recipes

Looking for more easy, family-friendly casseroles and dinners?

Chicken Rissoles – another quick and easy family favourite
Homemade Sausage Rolls – perfect for lunchboxes and parties
Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken – a simple set-and-forget dinner
Creamy Chicken Taco Soup – hearty, flavourful, and ready in 30 minutes

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Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

This Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole is a one-pan meal packed with all the flavours of burgers and fries – comfort food at its finest!

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 serves
Calories: 244kcal

Ingredients

1 lb (500g) ground beef
1 bag (24oz/680g) frozen french fries
1 cup (120g) cheddar cheese, shredded
1 can (10oz/285g) cream of mushroom soup
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons mustard
¼ cup dill pickle relish
4 garlic cloves, minced

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain the fat using a colander and transfer the cooked beef to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the dill pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, minced garlic, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix until well combined.
Pour the sauce mixture over the ground beef in the baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef and sauce mixture.
Arrange the frozen french fries in a single layer over the cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately!

Notes

RECIPE NOTES & TIPS

Drain the beef well to avoid a soggy casserole.
For extra crispy fries, place under the grill for 3-4 minutes at the end.
Add bacon for a bacon cheeseburger version.
Swap the fries for tater tots if you prefer.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best results.
Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
Use sweet relish instead of dill if that’s what you have on hand.