I cannot get over the crispy goodness of French fries melded with savory ground beef and rich, creamy soups. If I could marry one meal, it would be this French Fry Casserole—am absolutely delightful blend of textures and flavors that promises to be the star of any meal.
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French Fry Casserole
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📖Printable Recipe:
French Fry Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 500 g 1 pound ground beef
- 300 ml 10 oz cream of mushroom sauce
- 300 ml 10 oz cheese cream soup
- 600 g 20 oz frozen fries
- salt and pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- scallions jalapenos, fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
- Saute onions in olive oil for 5 minutes. Add ground beef, cook, breaking it up with a fork, for 10 minutes. Drain excess liquid. Season with salt, pepper and garlic.3 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium white onion, 500 g 1 pound ground beef, salt and pepper, 3 garlic cloves
- Mix beef with both types of soup. Pour into a casserole dish, top cheese and fries.300 ml 10 oz cream of mushroom sauce, 300 ml 10 oz cheese cream soup, 600 g 20 oz frozen fries, 1 cup shredded cheese
- Bake for 1 hour. serve topped with scallions, jalapenos and fried onions.scallions
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 500 g (1 pound) ground beef
- 300 ml (10 oz) cream of mushroom sauce
- 300 ml (10 oz) cheese cream soup
- 600 g (20 oz) frozen fries
- salt and pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- scallions, jalapenos, fried onions
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.
Sauté onions in olive oil for 5 minutes. Add ground beef, cook, breaking it up with a fork, for 10 minutes. Drain excess liquid. Season with salt, pepper and garlic.
Mix beef with both types of soup. Pour into a casserole dish, top cheese and fries.
Bake for 1 hour. Serve topped with scallions, jalapeños and fried onions.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Choosing the right sides can elevate your French Fry Casserole to a complete, balanced, and memorable meal. Here are some delicious pairing options to consider:
Fresh Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad works beautifully to contrast the richness of the casserole. Opt for a green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. For added texture and flavor, consider adding nuts, seeds, or crumbled feta cheese.
Steamed Vegetables
Lightly steamed vegetables bring a burst of color and nutrition to your plate. Popular choices include broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or even Brussels sprouts. For extra flavor, drizzle them with a little olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Roasted Vegetables
If you prefer a heartier side, try roasting a medley of your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes. Season with herbs like rosemary and thyme for a delicious, aromatic complement to your casserole.
Coleslaw
A creamy coleslaw can offer a nice contrast with its cool and crisp texture. Go for a tangy, vinegar-based slaw for a lighter option, or a classic creamy version for a richer side dish.
Fruit Salad
For a refreshing and sweet finish, serve a bowl of fruit salad. Include a variety of seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, melon, and kiwi for a vibrant and palate-cleansing side.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Use Quality Ingredients
Opt for the best quality ground beef and cheese you can find to ensure a rich and flavorful casserole. Grass-fed beef and aged cheddar are excellent choices.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When cooking the beef, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and proper browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
Customize Your Toppings
Add your personal touch by experimenting with different toppings. Consider toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or add a smoky flavor with a sprinkle of paprika.
Uniformly Sized Fries
Make sure your frozen fries are of uniform size to ensure even cooking. You don’t want some fries to be overdone while others are still soft.
Let It Rest
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier, ensuring you get perfect portions each time.
Season Properly
Don’t forget to season each layer well. A touch of herbs like thyme or rosemary in the beef mixture can elevate the dish.
Pre-cook the Fries for Extra Crunch
For an even crunchier topping, consider pre-baking the fries for a few minutes before placing them on the casserole.
These additional tips will not only help you perfect your French Fry Casserole but also inspire you to create a dish that is uniquely yours. Happy cooking!
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make French Fry Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What Type of Ground Beef Should I Use?
For the best results, opt for lean ground beef, typically 85% lean and 15% fat. This provides enough fat for a juicy, flavorful base without making the casserole overly greasy. If you prefer a lighter version, you can even use ground turkey or chicken.
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Fries?
Yes, fresh potatoes can be a fantastic alternative! Slice them into thin strips, season with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Keep in mind that fresh potatoes may require a slightly longer baking time to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
How Can I Lower the Calorie Count of This Dish?
To make a lighter version of French Fry Casserole, you can use low-fat cream soups or create a homemade version with reduced-fat ingredients. Opt for baked or air-fried potatoes instead of regular frozen fries and incorporate a variety of vegetables to bulk up the meal while keeping the calorie count in check.
Are There Vegetarian Alternatives?
Definitely! Substitute the ground beef with a meatless ground beef alternative or use your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty, vegetarian version. You can also choose vegetarian cream soups to keep the dish completely plant-based.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, French Fry Casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warm and crispy.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If cream of mushroom soup isn't your preference, you can replace it with other cream-based soups such as cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a homemade cheese sauce. Each substitution will bring its unique twist to the dish.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
Nothing is more fun than making a dish that everyone's mouths are watering to try. And nothing is easier to make this fun happen than making a comfort food that the whole family is sure to enjoy. If you need more of those recipes, be sure to check out my favorites:
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