Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 25–30 mins | Servings: 6
Ingredients
- The Base: 1 bag (28–32 oz) frozen French fries (crinkle-cut or shoestring work best).
- The Burger Topping:
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef.
- 1 small onion, finely diced.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- The Sauce & Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
- 1/2 cup creamy burger sauce (or a mix of mayo, ketchup, and mustard).
- 1/4 cup real bacon bits (optional).
- Garnish: Freshly chopped parsley and extra dollops of sauce.
Instructions
- Crisp the Fries: Bake the frozen French fries according to the package instructions until they are extra crispy. This ensures they don’t get soggy under the toppings.
- Brown the Meat: While the fries are baking, sauté the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is fully browned. Drain the excess fat, then stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: Arrange the crispy fries in an even layer at the bottom of a large glass baking dish.
- Layer: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the fries.
- Smother: Drizzle half of the creamy burger sauce over the beef, then top generously with the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits.
- Bake: Place the dish back in the oven at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
- Finish: Drizzle with the remaining creamy sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving hot.