Loaded Cheeseburger Fries Casserole

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If you love cheesy fries and a juicy cheeseburger, this loaded casserole brings both favorites together in one easy pan. Golden French fries are topped with seasoned ground beef, onions, and a rich cheese sauce, then baked until everything is bubbling and crispy around the edges. It is the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for game day, casual family dinners, or whenever you want something indulgent and satisfying with very little effort.

This recipe is also incredibly flexible. You can use frozen fries to save time, switch up the cheese to suit what you already have, and pile on your favorite burger toppings just before serving. It tastes like fast food, but it is made at home and feeds a hungry crowd with ease.

Ingredients

For the base

  • 1 bag frozen French fries (about 28–32 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the beef layer

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ lb ground beef (80–90% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes or salsa, drained (optional but tasty)

For the cheese sauce and topping

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for classic “cheeseburger” flavor)

Optional toppings

  • Sliced green onions or chives
  • Diced pickles or jalapeños
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Ketchup, burger sauce, or ranch for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
  2. Spread the frozen French fries in an even layer in the dish. Drizzle with vegetable oil if using, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the fries are starting to turn golden but are not fully crisp. They will finish cooking with the casserole.
  3. While the fries are in the oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and chili powder if using. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  5. If you are using diced tomatoes or salsa, stir them into the beef mixture and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth paste.
  7. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens and gently bubbles, about 3–5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and half of the mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
  8. Remove the par-baked fries from the oven. Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the fries.
  9. Pour the warm cheese sauce over the beef layer, spreading it so it covers as much surface as possible. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella (and extra cheddar if you like it extra cheesy) over the top.
  10. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and browned in spots and the fries are cooked through.
  11. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes so it can set slightly. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, pickles, jalapeños, or bacon if using. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips for the Best Loaded Fries Casserole

  • For extra crispy fries, pre-bake them a little longer before adding the toppings, or use crinkle-cut or steak fries.
  • You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles without changing the rest of the recipe.
  • If you like things spicy, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne to the cheese sauce and top with pickled jalapeños.
  • This dish is rich, so serve it with a simple side salad, sliced tomatoes, or crunchy pickles to balance the flavors.

Variations

  • Bacon cheeseburger version: Cook chopped bacon in the skillet first, remove and set aside, then cook the onion and beef in the bacon drippings. Sprinkle the crisp bacon over the cheese before baking.
  • Chili cheese fries casserole: Use leftover chili instead of the plain ground beef mixture and top with cheddar and pepper Jack.
  • Tex-Mex style: Season the beef with taco seasoning, add black beans and corn, and finish the casserole with salsa, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers can be cooled, covered, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to help the fries crisp back up a little. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a faster but softer result.

This loaded cheeseburger fries casserole is the ultimate comfort food: cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor, with just one baking dish to wash at the end.

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