Cheesy Beef and Fries Casserole – Cheap Simple Recipes

Ingredients:

20 ounce bag frozen crinkle-cut French fries
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 (10.5 oz) cans of cream of mushroom soup
2 teaspoons steak sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, and steak sauce. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Layer Casserole: Arrange the frozen crinkle-cut French fries in a single layer on the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Add Beef Mixture: Spoon the beef and mushroom soup mixture over the French fries, spreading it out evenly.
Add Extra Ingredients: If desired, sprinkle diced tomatoes evenly over the beef mixture. This adds extra flavor and freshness to the casserole.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, covering it completely.
Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the French fries are golden brown and crispy.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Note: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite extra ingredients, such as sliced green onions, diced bell peppers, or cooked bacon pieces. You can also swap out the shredded cheddar cheese for your preferred cheese variety, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.

Here are some helpful tips to make your Cheesy Beef and Fries Casserole even more delightful:

Season the Beef: Add extra flavor to the ground beef by seasoning it with your favorite spices and herbs while cooking. Consider using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to enhance the taste of the beef.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate additional vegetables into the casserole for added nutrition and flavor. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are all great options that complement the beef and cheese.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese and diced tomatoes will add a burst of freshness to the casserole. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish.
Layer Ingredients Evenly: Ensure that the French fries, beef mixture, and cheese are layered evenly in the casserole dish. This helps distribute the flavors throughout the dish and ensures that every bite is delicious.
Customize with Sauces: Experiment with different sauces to add extra flavor to the casserole. Instead of steak sauce, try using Worcestershire sauce, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce for a unique twist. You can also mix in some salsa or enchilada sauce for a Tex-Mex flavor.
Add Crunchy Toppings: For added texture, top the casserole with crunchy toppings before baking. Crushed potato chips, seasoned breadcrumbs, or crispy fried onions make excellent toppings that add a satisfying crunch to the dish.
Drizzle with Sauce: For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle some sauce over the casserole before serving. Ranch dressing, sour cream, or barbecue sauce are all tasty options that complement the cheesy beef and fries.
Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the finished casserole with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. This adds a finishing touch to the dish and enhances its presentation.
Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Pair with Side Dishes: Serve the Cheesy Beef and Fries Casserole with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or coleslaw for a complete meal. You can also serve it with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or barbecue sauce for added flavor.

By incorporating these tips, you can take your Cheesy Beef and Fries Casserole to the next level and create a truly delightful dish that everyone will love!

Here are some secrets to help you achieve perfection:

Precook the French Fries: For optimal texture, consider partially cooking or par-baking the frozen French fries before assembling the casserole. This helps prevent them from becoming too soggy during baking and ensures they crisp up nicely.
Season Every Layer: Season each component of the casserole generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. This ensures that every bite is well-seasoned and flavorful, from the beef to the fries to the cheese.
Optimize Cheese Distribution: To ensure that every bite of the casserole is cheesy and delicious, layer the shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the casserole. Avoid clumping the cheese in one area to ensure even distribution.
Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially the ground beef and cheese. Lean ground beef will produce less grease, while freshly grated cheese will melt better and have superior flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Balance Moisture Levels: Be mindful of the moisture content in the casserole. If the beef mixture or canned soup is too watery, it can make the casserole soggy. Consider draining excess grease from the cooked ground beef and using a thick and creamy soup base.
Add Depth of Flavor: Elevate the flavor of the casserole by adding additional ingredients like diced onions, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs and spices. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the dish.
Layer Ingredients Strategically: Layer the ingredients in the casserole dish strategically to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. Start with a base of French fries, followed by the beef mixture, diced tomatoes (if using), and shredded cheese.
Cover and Bake Properly: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking period to trap steam and help cook the French fries evenly. Remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly and golden brown.
Let it Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the cheese from being too runny when serving.
Garnish for Visual Appeal: For a finishing touch, garnish the baked casserole with chopped parsley, green onions, or diced tomatoes. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish and enhances its visual appeal.

By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Cheesy Beef and Fries Casserole that’s flavorful, cheesy, and utterly delicious!

Here are some of the most popular questions and answers related to Cheesy Beef and Fries Casserole:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen French fries? Yes, you can use fresh potatoes instead of frozen French fries. Simply peel and cut the potatoes into fries, then par-cook them before assembling the casserole. This will ensure they cook through evenly during baking.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is commonly used in this casserole, you can use any cheese you prefer or a combination of cheeses for a unique flavor. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese are all great alternatives.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Beef and Fries Casserole for future meals. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with this casserole? This casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as a side salad, steamed vegetables, coleslaw, or garlic bread. You can also serve it with condiments like ketchup, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce for dipping.
Can I add additional toppings to the casserole? Yes, feel free to customize the casserole with additional toppings for extra flavor and texture. Crumbled cooked bacon, sliced green onions, diced bell peppers, or chopped jalapeños are all popular choices.
How can I make this casserole healthier? To make the casserole healthier, you can use lean ground beef or turkey, reduced-fat cheese, and bake the French fries instead of frying them. You can also add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to increase the nutritional value.
Can I make this casserole spicy? Yes, you can add heat to the casserole by incorporating spicy ingredients like diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount of spice to suit your taste preferences.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians? While the traditional recipe contains ground beef, you can make a vegetarian version of this casserole by substituting the beef with plant-based ground meat or a mixture of beans and vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the soup base, and omit any meat-based toppings.

These answers should address some of the common questions you may have about Cheesy Beef and Fries Casserole. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!