Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Casserole

01 - 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 - 28-ounce bag shoestring French fries
03 - 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
04 - 10.5 ounces cheddar cheese soup
05 - ½ medium yellow onion, diced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
07 - ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
10 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ For the Burger Sauce

11 - ½ cup mayonnaise
12 - ¼ cup ketchup
13 - 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
14 - 1 teaspoon pickle juice
15 - ½ teaspoon dried onion flakes
16 - Black pepper to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your air fryer and cook the shoestring French fries according to package directions until golden and crispy. If you don't have an air fryer, bake them in a 425°F oven following package instructions.
02 - Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 7x11 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking for 8-10 minutes while breaking up the meat until no pink remains and onions are softened.
04 - Add minced garlic to the beef mixture and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain off any excess grease.
05 - Add both cans of soup (cream of mushroom and cheddar cheese) to the beef mixture. Stir until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
06 - Transfer the meat mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the cooked French fries, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
07 - Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the fries are heated through.
08 - While the casserole bakes, whisk together all burger sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Drizzle the sauce over the hot casserole before serving, or serve it on the side for dipping.

# Notes:

01 - Cook the fries until crispy before adding to prevent sogginess
02 - The cream of mushroom soup adds richness without mushroom flavor
03 - Don't skip the burger sauce - it really makes it taste like a cheeseburger
04 - You can assemble this ahead and bake when ready to serve
05 - This reheats well in the oven for leftovers