Irresistible French Fry Casserole – A Comforting Crowd-Pleaser
French Fry Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the crispy delight of french fries with the cheesy goodness of a casserole. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or when you’re craving a hearty, indulgent meal. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create a mouthwatering French Fry Casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen French fries
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or ground turkey over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic:
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions become translucent.
- Prepare the Casserole Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked meat mixture to the bowl and stir until everything is well combined.
- Layer the Casserole:
- Spread the frozen French fries evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Pour the casserole filling over the fries, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the french fries are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Cook’s Notes:
- Customize with Toppings: Get creative by adding your favorite toppings before baking. Sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or even crumbled bacon can take this casserole to the next level.
- Vegetarian Version: To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables.
The French Fry Casserole is a delectable fusion of crispy and creamy, making it a delightful treat for all ages. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every cheesy, potato-filled bite!
