Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole Madness

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the cheddar cheese soup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined and creamy. Remove from heat.
  4. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the frozen French fries on the bottom of the dish.
  5. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the fries, smoothing it out.
  6. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top of the beef.
  7. Add the remaining French fries over the cheese layer, then finish by topping with the remaining shredded cheeses.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the fries are crispy.
  9. Let cool slightly before serving. For added flair, drizzle with burger sauce or ketchup just before serving.

Variations:

  • Pickle lovers: Add chopped pickles over the top before baking for a tangy surprise.
  • Spicy version: Mix in jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
  • Double meat: Combine ground beef with chopped cooked bacon for a smoky, meaty upgrade.
  • Tex-Mex twist: Add taco seasoning to the beef and top with salsa and avocado slices.

Tips:

  • For maximum crispiness, avoid thawing the fries before baking.
  • You can prep the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
  • If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the final 10 minutes.
  • Customize your toppings table-style with ketchup, mustard, chopped lettuce, or diced tomatoes.