Cheeseburger & Fries Casserole (Dairy, Gluten, Egg, Soy, & Nut Free)

Cheeseburger Casserole

This allergy friendly Cheeseburger casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a baked casserole form. The base typically consists of ground beef, which is cooked with onions and seasoned to mimic the savory taste of a cheeseburger. This mixture is then layered with a creamy cheesy sauce, made with shredded vegan cheddar cheese, and a bit of mustard and ketchup to enhance the burger flavor.

To complete the dish, the casserole is usually topped with more cheese and a layer of either tater tots, mashed potatoes, or French fries, which bake up golden and crispy on top. The result is a rich, cheesy, and savory dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or family meal, offering the delicious combination of flavors you’d expect from a cheeseburger, but in a warm, comforting casserole form.

History of Cheeseburger Casserole

The exact origins of cheeseburger casserole are a bit unclear, but it is believed to be a product of the mid-20th century, when casseroles became a popular and practical meal option in American households. During the 1950s and 1960s, convenience cooking was on the rise, especially with the popularity of packaged ingredients like canned soups, processed cheese, and pre-cooked meat.

Cheeseburger casserole likely emerged as a way to combine the classic flavors of a cheeseburger—ground beef, cheese, and condiments—into a more versatile and easy-to-prepare dish that could be baked in a single pan. This was particularly appealing to families looking for quick, filling meals that could be made with pantry staples.

According to some recipes I have seen, The dish appeared especially popular in the 1970s and 1980s, a time when casseroles were a common go-to for busy home cooks, thanks to their convenience, ease of preparation, and the ability to stretch ingredients for larger families. Variations of the casserole appeared, with some versions using pasta, tater tots, or mashed potatoes as a base, while others focused on creating a burger-like taste with simple, hearty ingredients.

Today, cheeseburger casserole remains a comfort food favorite, with numerous adaptations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, often found in home kitchens and on dinner tables across the country.

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Ingredients & Substitutes

• Here’s the list of ingredients without measurements:
• Ground beef (80-90% lean)
• Onion, diced
• Ketchup
• Dijon mustard, or mustard powder and non-dairy yogurt (if corn-free)
• Frozen gluten-free French fries or tater tots, or mashed potatoes (if corn-free)
• Daiya mozzarella shreds, or homemade (coconut and corn-free)
• Non-dairy milk (such as oat milk)
• Fresh mushrooms, chopped
• Gluten-free flour
• Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• Garlic, minced
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

How to Make Cheeseburger Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a pan over medium heat, cook the onion, ground beef, ketchup, and mustard until fully browned and cooked through.
Drain the meat and onion mixture in a colander, then blot away any excess grease with a paper towel. You want the mixture to be fairly dry.
Transfer the cooked beef and onion into a 9×11 or 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the cream of mushroom soup until smooth, with no lumps.
Pour the soup mixture into the same pan you used for the beef and onion (or a different pan if you prefer fewer dishes) and heat it until it starts to boil and thickens up significantly.
Pour the thickened cream of mushroom soup into the beef and onion mixture and stir well to combine.
Top the casserole with the vegan cheese, followed by the fries or tater tots. Any leftover fries or tater tots can be baked separately in a pan below the casserole.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, you can broil the top on high for the last 2 minutes.

Common Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a leaner option. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still work well in the casserole.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to bake it for the recommended time when you’re ready to serve.

3. What can I use instead of tater tots?
If you don’t have tater tots, you can use frozen French fries, hash browns, or even a layer of mashed potatoes. The choice depends on your preference for texture.

6. Can I freeze cheeseburger casserole?
Yes, you can freeze cheeseburger casserole before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

7. How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix in some diced jalapeños, a bit of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes when cooking the beef and onion mixture. Adjust the level of spice to your taste.

8. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. Just cook the vegetables with the beef and onion before assembling the casserole.

9. How do I prevent the top from burning?
If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with foil during baking and remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the top to crisp up.

10. How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Other Favorite Allergy Friendly Dinner Recipes

• Beef Stroganoff – Red Sauce
• Broccoli Ham Casserole
• & more!!!

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