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French Fry Casserole is the kind of comfort food that brings everyone to the table. It combines the familiar, irresistible crunch of golden french fries with the hearty, creamy elements of a traditional casserole. The result is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that feels both nostalgic and fun.
While the exact origins of French Fry Casserole are hard to trace, versions of this dish appear in many home kitchens around the world. Its popularity speaks to the universal love of french fries and their incredible versatility. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty side, this casserole delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crispy fries paired with a creamy, savory beef base
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Simple ingredients you can find anywhere
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Perfect as a main dish or side
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Family-friendly and great for gatherings
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Easy to customize with different add-ins
Recipe: French Fry Casserole
Servings
6–8 servings
Ingredients
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14 ounces frozen french fries (any style you like)
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1½ pounds lean ground beef
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¾ cup processed cheese sauce (such as Cheez Whiz)
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1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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½ onion, chopped
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½ bell pepper, diced
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Soup
Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer briefly until heated through.
Step 4: Warm the Cheese Sauce
Place the cheese sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on low power for about 30 seconds, just until pourable.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the warmed cheese sauce over the top.
Step 6: Add the Fries
Arrange the frozen french fries evenly over the cheese layer, covering the surface of the casserole.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
French Fry Casserole is filling enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
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A fresh garden salad
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Steamed or roasted vegetables
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Grilled chicken or beef
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Coleslaw or green beans
Tips and Variations
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Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra cheesiness
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Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage
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Add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor
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Use seasoned fries for a bolder taste
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For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end
Final Thoughts
This French Fry Casserole is a perfect example of comfort food done right—simple, hearty, and guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a casual gathering, or just craving something warm and filling, this dish delivers every time.
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