French fries are a beloved comfort food, loved by people of all ages for their crispy exterior and fluffy interior. But have you ever thought about turning this favorite side dish into a hearty and satisfying casserole? With French Fry Casserole, you can enjoy all the flavors of traditional french fries in a comforting and convenient dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. In this recipe, we’ll explore how to create this delicious casserole that combines crispy fries, savory toppings, and gooey cheese into one mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (28-32 ounces) frozen french fries
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- Arrange the frozen french fries in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven according to the package instructions until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- While the fries are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven and spread the meat mixture evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture, covering it completely.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish the French Fry Casserole with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side.
Tips for Success:
- Feel free to customize the toppings according to your preferences. You can add cooked bacon pieces, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or any other favorite toppings.
- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground meat and double the amount of diced onions and garlic for added flavor.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, you can broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking to brown the cheese on top.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Variations:
- Loaded Potato Casserole: Instead of using french fries, substitute with frozen diced potatoes or hash browns. Top with cooked bacon, diced green onions, and shredded cheese for a loaded potato casserole.
- Taco French Fry Casserole: Use seasoned ground beef or turkey cooked with taco seasoning instead of plain meat. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and a drizzle of sour cream for a taco-inspired twist.
- Buffalo Chicken French Fry Casserole: Swap the ground meat for cooked shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Top with crumbled blue cheese and chopped celery for a spicy and tangy flavor combination.
French Fry Casserole offers a fun and delicious twist on the classic comfort food, combining crispy fries, savory meat, and gooey cheese into one satisfying dish. Whether served as a hearty weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the irresistible flavors of French Fry Casserole with your family and friends!
