Comfort food brings warmth to the soul and a smile to every face, and nothing says comfort quite like a hearty, bubbling casserole straight from the oven. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that has not only captured the heart of my husband but also promises to be a hit at your family table or your next gathering: the French Fry Casserole. This dish is a unique twist on traditional casseroles, featuring layers of crispy fries, succulent ground beef, rich cheese sauce, and a creamy, savory mushroom soup that meld together into a delightful feast.
Why You’ll Love This French Fry Casserole
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole is a breeze to make.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a side at parties, potlucks, or game nights.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 14 ounces of frozen French fries of choice
- 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef
- 3/4 cup of processed cheese sauce (like Cheez Whiz)
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1/2 chopped onion
- 1/2 diced bell pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 baking dish
- Large skillet
- Microwave-safe bowl
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (205ยฐC). Lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat for a healthier option.
- Sautรฉ Vegetables: Incorporate the chopped onion and diced bell pepper into the skillet with the browned beef. Sautรฉ for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup into the skillet with your beef and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, combining all the flavors beautifully.
- Melt the Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on low power for about 30 seconds, or until melted and smooth. Stir well.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle the melted cheese sauce over the top.
- Top with Fries: Arrange the frozen French fries in a single layer over the cheese mixture, ensuring even coverage for a perfect crispy top layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your French Fry Casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a touch of color and freshness. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the indulgence.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 540, Fat: 32g, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 25g (Approximate per serving).
FAQs
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. - Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?
For a lighter version, opt for low-fat cheese sauce and ground turkey instead of beef. - How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use a cream of mushroom soup that’s suitable for vegetarians.
Conclusion
The French Fry Casserole is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s a dish that celebrates the joy of eating and the comfort of gathering around a table with loved ones. Try it once, and I guarantee it will become a regular in your meal rotation.
This French Fry Casserole recipe promises to bring comfort to your kitchen with every bite. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. Enjoy the making, the baking, and most importantly, the eating!
PrintUltimate French Fry Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Enjoy a cozy dinner with this cheesy and creamy French Fry Casserole. Itโs the perfect comfort food to share. Pin now!
Ingredients
- 14 ounces of frozen French fries of choice
- 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef
- 3/4 cup of processed cheese sauce (like Cheez Whiz)
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1/2 chopped onion
- 1/2 diced bell pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Needed
- 9x13 baking dish
- Large skillet
- Microwave-safe bowl
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (205ยฐC). Lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Brown the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat for a healthier option.
- Sautรฉ Vegetables: Incorporate the chopped onion and diced bell pepper into the skillet with the browned beef. Sautรฉ for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup into the skillet with your beef and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, combining all the flavors beautifully.
- Melt the Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on low power for about 30 seconds, or until melted and smooth. Stir well.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Drizzle the melted cheese sauce over the top.
- Top with Fries: Arrange the frozen French fries in a single layer over the cheese mixture, ensuring even coverage for a perfect crispy top layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Donโt forget to pin this recipe! Whether youโre planning a cozy family dinner or need a quick and delicious dish for your next potluck, this French Fry Casserole is perfect. Save it to your favorite Recipe Board on Pinterest to keep it handy!