Cheeseburger French Fry Bake: The Ultimate One-Pan Casserole for Comfort Food Lovers
Looking for a fun, easy, and absolutely delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite cheeseburger and fries in one pan? This cheeseburger French fry bake is your new go-to recipe. It’s got juicy, seasoned ground beef, crispy shoestring fries, loads of melted cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of classic burger sauce—all layered into a bubbling hot casserole that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or turning an ordinary weeknight into a celebration of comfort food.
This bake is a one-dish dream that combines the familiar flavors of a diner-style cheeseburger with the crispy indulgence of golden French fries. The magic happens in the oven, where the fries bake up crispy and the cheese melts into the savory beef for a bite that’s both satisfying and nostalgic.
Whether you’re making it for family dinner, game day, a casual get-together, or just because you’re craving something deliciously over the top, this cheeseburger French fry bake is a winner every time.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef (80-85% lean)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup dill pickle chips, chopped (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 bag frozen shoestring French fries (about 20 oz)
Burger sauce for topping (see recipe below)
Optional garnish: diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, green onions
For the Burger Sauce
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon relish or chopped pickles
1 teaspoon vinegar or pickle juice
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Add garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine. Then mix in ketchup, mustard, and chopped pickles. Let simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar over the beef. Top with a single layer of frozen French fries.
Step 4: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the fries are crispy and golden. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the fries. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
Drizzle with burger sauce and garnish with your favorite burger toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, green onions, or more chopped pickles.
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It combines two iconic favorites: cheeseburgers and fries
It’s quick and easy to prepare
It’s budget-friendly and uses everyday ingredients
It’s family-approved and kid-friendly
It reheats well and makes great leftovers
Flavor Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger Bake
Add 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon to the beef mixture for a smoky touch.
Spicy Cheeseburger Fry Bake
Mix in diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Tex-Mex Cheeseburger Bake
Use taco seasoning in the beef and top with avocado, salsa, and sour cream.
BBQ Cheeseburger Casserole
Replace ketchup with barbecue sauce and use smoked gouda or Monterey Jack cheese.
Low-Carb Version
Swap out the fries for roasted cauliflower or zucchini slices. Reduce or omit the cheese to lighten it up.
Vegetarian Option
Use plant-based ground beef and vegan cheese. Replace mayo in the sauce with a vegan version.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger French Fry Bake
A crisp side salad with ranch or vinaigrette
Sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes
Pickle spears or coleslaw
Root beer, lemonade, or your favorite soda
Dill pickles or crunchy pickled onions
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Make Ahead: You can cook the beef mixture and store it in the fridge up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the casserole just before baking.
Store Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked beef mixture separately, but freezing the assembled dish with fries is not recommended as fries may turn soggy.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 530
Protein: 29g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 860mg
Tips for Best Results
Use a 9×13 pan to allow fries to crisp evenly
Don’t overcrowd with fries—stick to a single layer
Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly
Make extra burger sauce—it’s so good, people will ask for more
Burger Sauce Recipe (Copycat “Big Mac” Sauce)
Combine 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, 1 tablespoon relish or chopped pickles, 1 teaspoon vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Stir well and chill for at least 10 minutes.
Perfect for Parties and Potlucks
This dish is a hit at gatherings and potlucks. Double the recipe and bake it in two pans. Cut into squares and serve with small containers of burger sauce for dipping. It also makes a fun “burger bar” centerpiece where guests can top their own serving with toppings like chopped bacon, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or spicy aioli.
Common Questions
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
Yes, but you’ll need to par-cook or roast them first so they crisp up in the oven.
Can I make this in a cast iron skillet?
Absolutely! Use a large, oven-safe skillet for both cooking the beef and baking the casserole.
Do I need to flip the fries?
Nope—just make sure they’re in a single, even layer and they’ll bake up nicely.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but a blend of cheddar and mozzarella or Colby Jack works well.
Can I add vegetables?
Sure! Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the beef mixture.
Leftover Remix Ideas
Burger-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuff the leftovers into halved bell peppers and bake with a sprinkle of cheese.
Cheeseburger Wraps
Wrap the mixture in tortillas with lettuce and tomato for a fast lunch.
Cheesy Burger Nachos
Spoon leftovers over tortilla chips, top with extra cheese and bake for 10 minutes.
Cheeseburger Breakfast Hash
Reheat and top with a fried egg and hot sauce for a breakfast-for-dinner twist.
Freezer-Friendly Beef Base
Double the beef mixture and freeze half for a quick start on your next dinner. When ready, just defrost, add to a baking dish, top with fries and cheese, and bake.
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger French fry bake is more than just a fun mashup of two classic comfort foods—it’s a satisfying, cheesy, easy-to-make dinner that your family will request again and again. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create something truly memorable that delivers diner-style flavor right from your oven. From busy weeknights to casual weekends, this skillet casserole fits the bill every time.