Cheeseburger French Fry Comfort (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Meat and Aromatics

01 - 680 grams ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seasonings

04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Creamy Cheese Sauce

08 - 1 can (298 grams) condensed cheddar cheese soup
09 - 240 ml sour cream
10 - 120 ml mayonnaise
11 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
12 - 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
14 - 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)

→ Assembly and Garnish

15 - 1 bag (790-910 grams) frozen French fries (crinkle cut, waffle fries, or shoestring)
16 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
17 - Cooked bacon bits (optional, for garnish)
18 - Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, approximately 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, mustard, and ketchup (if desired). Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
04 - Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the beef layer, spreading it out smoothly. Arrange the frozen French fries in an even layer on top of the cheese sauce; thawing is not required.
05 - Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the French fries are golden and crispy.
06 - Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Return it to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with cooked bacon bits, chopped green onions, or fresh parsley as desired.
08 - Serve the hot casserole with a side salad, pickles, or extra burger sauce for a complete meal.

# Notes:

01 - Ensure excess grease is drained from the beef to prevent an oily casserole.
02 - Utilize sharp cheddar cheese to enhance flavor and balance the richness of the dish.
03 - For crispier fries, pre-bake them on a sheet pan for 10 minutes before adding to the casserole.
04 - Apply garnishes after baking to maintain their freshness and crispness.
05 - Double the cheese sauce mixture for a richer, creamier casserole.
06 - Enhance with crispy bacon by incorporating it into the beef mixture and sprinkling extra on top.
07 - For a spicy variation, add sliced jalapeños or substitute pepper jack cheese.
08 - Transform into a BBQ cheeseburger casserole by replacing ketchup with barbecue sauce in the cheese mixture.
09 - For pickle enthusiasts, sprinkle chopped pickles over the casserole after baking.
10 - Substitute frozen tater tots for French fries for a different texture.
11 - Serve alongside classic burger toppings such as shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles.
12 - Offer a drizzle of special burger sauce or ranch dressing for an extra layer of flavor.
13 - Complement the casserole with coleslaw or a crisp green salad.
14 - Ideal for game day gatherings, served with sliders, wings, and chips.
15 - Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
16 - To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly, and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 175°C (350°F) for 60-70 minutes.
17 - Reheat in an oven at 175°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes to maintain crispness of the fries.

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