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French Fry Casserole: A Comforting, Hearty Dish for the Whole Family
If you’re in the mood for a warm, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing meal, look no further than French Fry Casserole. This dish combines everyone’s favorite crispy fries with savory ingredients like cheese, ground meat, and seasonings to create a hearty, satisfying casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it as a comforting weekend treat, French Fry Casserole is sure to be a hit!
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. In just a few simple steps, you can have a piping hot casserole ready to serve in no time. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful dish!
Why You’ll Love French Fry Casserole:
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This casserole is a warm and filling dish that combines the crispy texture of French fries with a cheesy, savory filling. It’s everything you crave in a comfort meal!
- Family-Friendly: The whole family will love it! With layers of crispy fries, seasoned ground meat, and gooey cheese, it’s a meal that pleases both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite ingredients, such as different vegetables, herbs, or sauces. It’s a great way to clean out your fridge and create a unique meal.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep work, this casserole comes together quickly. It’s the perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (about 20 oz) frozen French fries (choose your favorite style—shoestring, crinkle-cut, or wedge fries)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (you can also use ground chicken or a meat substitute)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken for a different flavor)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ground Meat:
Start by cooking the ground meat in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure it cooks evenly. Once the meat is browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream (if using), and milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This sauce will add creaminess and flavor to the casserole, making it rich and satisfying.
3. Layer the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of frozen French fries evenly across the bottom. The fries will form the base of the casserole and add that beloved crispy texture.
Next, pour the cooked ground meat mixture over the fries, spreading it out evenly. Then, pour the creamy sauce over the meat layer, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
4. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, golden topping that complements the crispy fries and savory meat perfectly.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the fries are golden brown. If you like your fries extra crispy, you can bake for a few additional minutes, keeping an eye on the top to avoid burning the cheese.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and
