Go Back

Simple French Fry Casserole

A cozy bake featuring crispy fries on top of a creamy, cheesy filling. Perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole Base
  • 1 lb Ground beef or turkey Browned and seasoned; can substitute with black beans for vegetarian version.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped and sautéed for flavor, or onion powder can be used.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; can substitute with garlic powder.
  • 1 can Cream soup Use cream of mushroom, chicken, or celery. A mix of sour cream and milk can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Cheese Sharp cheddar is best; Monterey Jack or pepper jack can be used for variation.
  • 1 cup Veggies Corn, peas, or bell peppers, can be used straight from the freezer.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt To taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper To taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Add for flavor.
  • 1 pinch Dried thyme Optional, for seasoning.
Topping
  • 1 bag Frozen French fries Any shape works; do not thaw before baking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
  2. Brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until soft. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drain extra fat.
  3. Stir in the cream soup or sour cream-milk mixture. Fold in a handful of shredded cheddar and any veggies you like. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Baking
  1. Layer the mixture in your baking dish evenly.
  2. Top with frozen fries in a single layer and sprinkle more cheese if desired.
  3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the fries are golden and crisp and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Serving
  1. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to set. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.

Notes

To keep fries from getting soggy, do not thaw them. Bake on the upper rack for crispiness. Leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer.