This is a great casserole; it uses basic ingredients and will have your family requesting seconds. It sort of reminds me of the homemade burgers and fries I have eaten at many arenas during countless hockey games and tournaments. It is fast enough to make after work and if there are any leftovers, they pack well for next-day lunches. I discovered this recipe when someone brought it to work as leftovers, and it smelled so good that I asked her to share the recipe. It was an instant hit with my family, and now I’m sharing my version of it with you. I told her how everyone who tried it loved it and had to have seconds, and she said “I know, that happens all the time when I make it too.”
Mushroom Cheeseburger & Fries Casserole
1 pkg. (1 kg.) frozen French fries
1 lb. hamburger
1 onion chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed or finely
chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 lb. fresh sliced mushroom or 1 can
sliced mushroom or 1 can mushroom
soup
1 cup shredded cheese or 1/2 cup
processed spread and 1/4 cup milk
or 1 can of cheddar cheese soup
Final layer: an additional 1 cup shredded cheese, I use cheddar and/or mozzarella
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spread the fries on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Begin cooking the fries on a cookie sheet in the oven. In a large Dutch oven brown the hamburger, add the onions, mushrooms, garlic, salt,and pepper to sauté. If you are not using fresh mushrooms then add the can of mushroom or the mushroom soup after the onion is softened. Spread the cheese of choice as a layer on top of the bottom meat layer. Do not stir. If you are using processed cheese, warm it in the microwave for 40 seconds and stir in the milk until smooth. Spread it on the meat layer. Add the cooked fries, and top off with the additional shredded cheese. Cover the Dutch oven and place in the oven at 400 degrees to melt the top layer of cheese, for about 5 minutes.
Try to buy fries that only have potatoes or sweet potatoes listed as ingredients. Avoid the choices that have various other ingredients and additives added. This is a delicious casserole that is oven-ready in about 15 minutes. Serves 4 – 6. This casserole can be served with a coleslaw salad and a lettuce, tomato, and cucumber garden salad.