Here’s a hearty and crowd-pleasing French Fry Casserole Bake — crispy fries layered with seasoned beef, creamy soup, melted cheese, and baked to golden perfection. It’s comfort food at its easiest!
🍟 French Fry Casserole Bake
🧂 Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (28–32 oz) bag frozen French fries
- Salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or paprika to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or bacon bits for topping
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices (e.g., garlic powder, paprika).
- Drain excess fat.
3. Make the Creamy Layer
- In a bowl, mix the cream soup and milk.
- Stir in the cooked beef mixture.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Layer the frozen French fries on top (arranged neatly or scattered).
5. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until fries are golden and crisp.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until melted.
6. Serve
- Let cool slightly. Top with green onions, sour cream, or bacon bits if desired.
🍽️ Variations:
- Use tater tots instead of fries for a fun twist.
- Add a layer of mixed vegetables beneath the beef.
- Swap the cream soup for a cheddar soup or homemade sauce for more flavor.