If you're looking for a mouthwatering, easy-to-make comfort food dish that pleases both kids and adults, look no further than this French Fry Casserole. With a perfect combination of crispy crinkle-cut fries, savory ground beef, and loads of creamy cheese, this recipe will easily become a family favorite. Whether you're feeding a crowd or whipping up a weeknight dinner, this hearty casserole is sure to hit the spot.

Ready to transform your dinner routine? Keep reading for the full recipe, along with some helpful tips and variations to make this dish your own!
What is a French Fry Casserole?
A French Fry Casserole is an indulgent, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the irresistible flavors of crispy French fries, rich ground beef, and creamy soups. It’s layered with cheese and baked to golden perfection, delivering a comforting meal with texture and flavor in every bite. Essentially, this casserole is a combination of some of your favorite comfort foods rolled into one easy-to-make dish, making it perfect for those times when you want something hearty and delicious.
Ingredients List for French Fry Casserole
Before you begin cooking, gather all the ingredients you'll need for this savory dish:
- 32 ounces frozen crinkle-cut French fries: The star of the show, crinkle-cut fries offer extra crispiness thanks to their ridges. They form the perfect crispy base for the casserole.
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the fries and the dish overall.
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavors.
- 2 pounds lean ground beef: Choose lean beef to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy. Ground turkey or chicken can also work as alternatives.
- ½ cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and texture to the beef mixture.
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup: This creates a creamy base, complementing the richness of the beef.
- 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup: Adds a cheesy, velvety texture that enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
- 2 tablespoons half and half: Adds creaminess to the soup mixture and ensures that the casserole isn't too dry.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Provides a tangy, savory boost that intensifies the umami flavors in the beef and soup mixture.
- 3 cups mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated: Split into two portions (1 cup for mixing into the casserole, 2 cups for sprinkling on top). Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to experiment with these substitutions and variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a healthier twist, use frozen sweet potato fries instead of regular crinkle-cut fries.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Different Cheeses: Mix up the cheese varieties by using sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Make sure to use gluten-free versions of the soups, and you're good to go!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking. Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect French Fry Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and the cheese will melt perfectly.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the 2 pounds of lean ground beef until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Add the ½ cup of finely chopped sweet yellow onion to the skillet and sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Season with ¾ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 10.5 ounces of cream of mushroom soup, 10.5 ounces of cheddar cheese soup, 2 tablespoons of half and half, and 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth. Add 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir it in.
4. Mix Beef with Sauce
Once the ground beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Add the beef and onion mixture to the bowl with the soup and cheese mixture. Stir well to ensure the beef is fully coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
5. Layer the Casserole
In a 9x13-inch casserole dish, arrange the 32 ounces of frozen crinkle-cut French fries in an even layer. Pour the beef and sauce mixture over the fries, spreading it out evenly to cover all of the fries. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. The fries should also be crisp along the edges.
7. Let It Rest
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
How to Cook French Fry Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Step 2: Brown the ground beef with onions, then season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Mix the cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, half and half, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of cheese.
- Step 4: Combine the cooked beef with the soup mixture.
- Step 5: Layer frozen French fries in the baking dish and pour the beef mixture over the fries.
- Step 6: Top with 2 cups of grated cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Step 7: Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of when making French Fry Casserole:
- Not Draining the Beef: Skipping this step can make your casserole too greasy. Always drain excess fat from the cooked beef.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Grate your own cheese for the best results.
- Overbaking the Casserole: Overbaking can result in dry, overcooked fries. Keep an eye on the casserole after 25 minutes to avoid burning the top layer of cheese.
- Not Allowing It to Rest: Serving immediately can make the casserole messy and difficult to portion out. Let it rest to set before serving.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A delicious casserole deserves to be presented in a way that makes it even more enticing. Here are a few presentation and serving tips for your French Fry Casserole:
How to Serve French Fry Casserole
- Serve in generous, square portions with a spatula.
- Pair the casserole with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.
- For extra texture, serve with a side of crunchy pickles or a dipping sauce like ketchup or ranch.
Presentation Ideas for French Fry Casserole
- Garnish the casserole with fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color.
- Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a more elegant touch.
- Add a drizzle of sour cream or hot sauce on top before serving to elevate the flavors.
French Fry Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions and increase the time slightly to account for the colder temperature.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispness of the fries, or microwave for a quicker option.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?
A: Yes, you can use fresh-cut fries, but keep in mind that frozen fries often bake up crispier in casseroles.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Q: Is this casserole gluten-free?
A: To make this casserole gluten-free, ensure that both soups are gluten-free and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce does not contain gluten.
Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat or extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Q: Can I prepare this in advance?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge and bake when ready.
Conclusion
This French Fry Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy fries, cheesy goodness, and savory beef for a dish that’s sure to be a hit with the entire family. Whether you're making it for a busy weeknight or serving it at a casual gathering, this casserole offers convenience and big flavor in every bite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make this recipe your own!
So, what are you waiting for? Try this amazing French Fry Casserole recipe tonight and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
PrintFrench Fry Casserole Recipe
This French fry casserole recipe combines frozen crinkle-cut fries, ground beef, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom, and cheddar cheese soups. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it's the perfect comfort food dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen crinkle-cut French fries
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ cup sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
- 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup
- 2 tablespoons half and half
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups mild cheddar cheese, freshly grated (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Bake the French fries according to package directions until crispy.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onions, salt, and pepper until browned.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese soup, half and half, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Spread cooked French fries in a casserole dish.
- Layer the beef mixture over the fries.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Top with remaining 2 cups of cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes until melted.
Notes
For added flavor, try mixing in garlic or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also add vegetables like green beans or peas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅛ of casserole
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1150mg
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