Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Fries
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the frozen french fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown. Set aside.
Cook the Beef Mixture
- While fries are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until browned and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
Assemble and Bake
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Arrange the crispy french fries over the beef mixture in an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the fries, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped dill pickles, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. Feel free to customize with your favorite cheeseburger toppings like sliced tomatoes, lettuce (added after baking), or a drizzle of special sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
