Ultimate French Fry Casserole Bake

A crispy, cheesy, meaty comfort food dream—layered with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and golden fries, all baked to perfection. Think deconstructed burger meets poutine in casserole form!

Ingredients

For the Meat Layer:

1 lb (450g) ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cheddar cheese soup for extra cheesiness)

For the Cheese Layer:

1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella

For the Topping:

4 cups (500g) frozen French fries (crinkle-cut or shoestring)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp garlic powder

Optional Extras:

½ cup diced pickles (for a “burger” vibe)
¼ cup cooked bacon bits
Ketchup/mustard for drizzling

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until meat is browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cream soup. Simmer 2 minutes.

2. Layer the Casserole:

Spread meat mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the meat.
Arrange frozen fries in a single layer on top.
Mix Parmesan, parsley, and garlic powder, then sprinkle over fries.

3. Bake:

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until fries are golden and crispy.
(Optional) Broil 1-2 minutes for extra crunch.

4. Serve:

Garnish with pickles, bacon, or a drizzle of ketchup/mustard.

Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Minimal prep—uses frozen fries for easy assembly!
✔️ Kid-friendly—tastes like a loaded burger in every bite.
✔️ Customizable—swap in tater tots or sweet potato fries.

Tips & Variations:

🔥 Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat.
🥓 Extra Indulgent: Top with ranch dressing or BBQ sauce.
🍟 Air Fryer Hack: Bake the casserole without fries, then air-fry fries separately for max crispiness and add before serving.

Serve hot with a side of coleslaw or a dill pickle spear! 🍔🧀

Want a vegetarian version or make-ahead tips? Let me know!