Bacon Cheeseburger & Fries Casserole

This casserole was a winner in our house. Let me tell you how I know. My 10 year old, who is by far my pickiest eater, ate four servings of this! Now, she had been swimming all day and had gone to gymnastics for 2 hours, but this is my child who usually picks at most things. Especially casseroles! I like that the younger kids can eat it "plain" and my older kids as well as Dan and I could "dress it up."

Bacon Cheeseburger & Fries Casserole
1  bag French Fries (26-28 ounce) thawed, Pick your favorite shape, my kids like Crinkle Cut
2  pounds ground beef
1  medium onion, diced (1 cup)
2  cloves garlic, minced (1 teaspoon)
1 1/2  teaspoons kosher salt
1  teaspoon black pepper
3  tablespoons butter
3  tablespoons flour
1/2  cup chicken stock
1  cup milk
1  package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened (I used light)
2  cups sour cream (I used light)
3  tablespoons Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix (or 1 packet)
2  cups (8 ounces) Colby Jack Cheese, shredded
10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Garnishes:
Shredded Lettuce
Diced Tomatoes
Green Onions, sliced
Sour Cream
Pickles
Hot Sauce
Ketchup
Mustard
Anything you like on your Bacon Cheeseburger!

Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch dish. Use the deepest one you have. Spread 1/2 of the thawed french fries in the bottom of the dish. They will not completely cover the bottom.

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, onion, garlic, salt and pepper over medium high heat. Remove beef with a slotted spoon and set aside. Drain the grease from the skillet.

Return the skillet to the stove top and melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until bubbly.  Slowly add the chicken broth and milk, bring to a simmer and remove from the head. Whisk in the softened cream cheese, sour cream and ranch dressing mix.

Place 1/2 of the beef mixture over the french fries in the prepared dish. Cover with 1/2 of the cream cheese mixture, followed by 1/2 of the Colby Jack cheese. Repeat layers with the french fries, beef, cream cheese mixture and Colby Jack cheese.

Bake covered at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with cooked and crumbled bacon. Return to the over and continue baking uncovered for 15-20 more minutes. 

Serve casserole with desired toppings.

Enjoy!

Kim


Linked to the following parties:
Our very Weekend Potluck 
Gooseberry Patch New Family Favorites
Carole's Chatter Food on Friday Recipes Kids Love