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A white casserole dish filled with a Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole, topped with sour cream, tomatoes, and green onions.

Loaded Cheeseburger Fry Casserole

This ultimate comfort food combines seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy french fries, all baked together in a hearty casserole that's reminiscent of your favorite cheeseburger. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing weeknight meal!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Crispy Fries
  • 1 bag frozen french fries 28 ounce, straight cut
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Pinch salt
For the Beef Mixture
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 15 ounce, undrained
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water
For the Cheese Topping & Garnish
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle slices chopped, for garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish, optional
  • Sesame seeds optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 inch Casserole Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

Prepare the Fries
  1. 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  4. 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.