Crispy Fry Bake (Print Version)
Golden fries, seasoned beef, and melted cheese combine for a rich, satisfying baked dish everyone will love.
# Ingredients:
01 -
2 pounds ground beef, lean
02 -
¾ teaspoon salt, kosher
03 -
½ teaspoon black pepper, coarsely ground
04 -
3 cups cheddar cheese, mild and freshly grated (1 cup for mixture, 2 cups for topping)
05 -
10.5 ounces mushroom soup, creamy
06 -
10.5 ounces cheese soup, cheddar-flavored
07 -
2 tablespoons half-and-half cream
08 -
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
09 -
½ cup onion, yellow and finely chopped
10 -
32 ounces frozen French fries, crinkle-cut
# Steps:
01 -
Turn the oven on to 375°F. Line a baking tray with strong foil, then spray it lightly with nonstick spray.
02 -
Lay the frozen fries flat on the foil-lined pan. Sprinkle the salt and pepper evenly on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, keeping an eye to ensure crispness.
03 -
In a nonstick pan (10-12 inches) or a stockpot (4-5 quarts), cook the ground beef and diced onions over medium-high heat. Stir regularly until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. Drain off any extra grease.
04 -
Turn the heat down to medium. Add the mushroom soup, cheddar soup, half-and-half, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes, then take it off the heat.
05 -
Coat the inside of a 9x13 pan with nonstick spray. Spread the beef and sauce mixture in an even layer, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar on top.
06 -
When the fries come out of the oven, lay them evenly across the layer of cheddar. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese (2 cups) over the fries.
07 -
Pop the dish into the oven for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready once the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
# Notes and Tips:
01 -
Block cheese melts smoother since pre-shredded often has coatings that don’t melt well.
02 -
Fries baked separately prevent them from soaking up too much liquid later.
03 -
Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on the casserole toward the end.