Cheeseburger Fry Comfort Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 900 grams ground beef
02 - 1 yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 kilogram shoestring French fries
05 - 300 grams cream of mushroom soup
06 - 300 grams cheddar cheese soup
07 - 200 grams shredded cheddar cheese

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
10 - Salt, to taste
11 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Burger Sauce

12 - Mayonnaise
13 - Ketchup
14 - Mustard
15 - Pickle juice
16 - Dehydrated onions

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is thoroughly browned and onions are softened. Drain any excess fat.
03 - Incorporate minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Add cream of mushroom soup and cheddar cheese soup to the skillet. Mix thoroughly until mixture is cohesive.
05 - Bake shoestring French fries according to package instructions until golden and crispy.
06 - Spread the beef and soup mixture evenly into a 28x18 cm casserole dish. Arrange the crispy fries over the beef layer.
07 - Scatter shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the fries. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
08 - In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and dehydrated onions until smooth.
09 - Drizzle burger sauce over the baked casserole before serving. Cut into portions and serve hot.

# Notes:

01 - For extra crispy fries, broil the casserole for the final 1 to 2 minutes of baking.
02 - Avoid overcooking the beef to prevent dryness; always drain rendered fat for optimal texture.
03 - Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner profile, or incorporate diced pickles or jalapeños for added zest.
04 - Tater tots or alternative cheeses such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack can be used for a creative variation.