Cheeseburger & Fries Casserole

 

 
 
As far as one dish meals go, they are the staple of so many tables.  Great for a busy night, with little prep & clean-up involved – these hearty casseroles are a mom (or dad!) must.  
 
Unfortunately, you can get tired of the same ol’ casserole & need a little change-up in the mix.  Now, stir the idea of a cheeseburger and some fries in, and you have one cravable meal that your family will look forward to.This one can even be made ahead & frozen. Just prepare it as written up until the baking step. Make sure your fries never unthaw. Cover with foil, & freeze for up to 3 months.
 
 

 
 
When you serve it, a cute idea is to arrange little bowls of different burger toppings on the table.  Then, you can have a little ‘burger bar’ & everyone can do up their cheeseburger the way that they want.
 
 

 

Cheeseburger & Fries Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
  • ¾ cup diced onion
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 6oz can tomato paste
  • 1 10.75oz can cheddar cheese soup
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 4 cups french fried shoestring potatoes
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Assorted toppers ketchup, pickles, mustard, chopped fresh tomato, etc

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, & garlic over medium heat until the beef is cooked. Drain off fat. Stir in undrained tomatoes & tomato paste. Bring up to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
  • Spoon mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 2 quart rectangular baking dish. In a bowl, stir together the sour cream, soup, & shredded cheddar cheese. Spread over meat mixture in baking dish. Evenly distribute the french fries over the very top. Sprinkle with seasoning salt & pepper.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until heated through & fries are golden. Serve with toppers, if desired.