French Fry Casserole: A Comforting Twist on Classic Favorites
If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying dish that combines the irresistible flavors of French fries, ground beef, and cheese, then look no further than French Fry Casserole. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious casserole, along with cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions for those following specific diets.
Ingredients:
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need:
- 14 ounces of frozen French fries of choice
- 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef
- 3/4 cup of processed cheese sauce (like Cheez Whiz)
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1/2 chopped onion
- 1/2 diced bell pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Now, let’s get cooking:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the frozen French fries in an even layer on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the French fries. Pour the condensed cream of mushroom soup over the beef mixture, followed by the processed cheese sauce.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
Here are some tips and variations to enhance your French Fry Casserole:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables such as diced tomatoes, corn, or peas to the ground beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your casserole. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack would all work well in this recipe.
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s how you can modify the recipe:
Keto Version:
- Use Keto-Friendly French Fries: Look for low-carb or keto-friendly French fries made from vegetables such as cauliflower or jicama.
- Replace Condensed Soup: Instead of condensed cream of mushroom soup, use a homemade keto-friendly cream sauce made with heavy cream and almond flour.
Low-Carb Version:
- Skip the French Fries: Omit the frozen French fries altogether and serve the ground beef mixture over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
- Use Low-Carb Cheese Sauce: Opt for a low-carb cheese sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheese instead of processed cheese sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Let’s address some common questions about making French Fry Casserole:
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen French fries? A: Yes, you can use fresh potatoes if you prefer. Simply slice them into thin rounds and parboil them before layering them in the casserole dish.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover French Fry Casserole in an airtight container for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
French Fry Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its layers of crispy French fries, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for dinner on a busy weeknight or bringing it to a potluck dinner, this casserole is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic comfort dish!
