Ingredients:
For the Cheeseburger Topping:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for best flavor)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1-1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free Tamari or soy sauce (omit Tamari for gluten-free)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fries:
- 1-1/2 lbs frozen french fries (choose your favorite cut)
- Homemade or store-bought seasoned salt (optional)
For the Cheese:
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
For the Toppings:
- 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
- Finely minced white onion
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons finely minced dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon finely minced white onion
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
Instructions:
Prepare the Special Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine all Special Sauce ingredients. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use. The sauce tastes best if made ahead of time.
Cook the Cheeseburger Topping:
- In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Crumble the beef as it cooks.
- Once the meat is mostly browned, add the beef broth, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Tamari (or soy sauce), salt, and pepper.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, breaking up the meat with a spatula a few times during cooking.
Prepare the Fries:
- Follow the package directions to par-cook the fries in your oven or air fryer. This makes the fries crisp under the topping without overcooking.
Assemble the Cheeseburger Fries:
- Layer the partially cooked French fries in a serving dish.
- Top generously with the cooked cheeseburger mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot meat and fries.
Melt and Serve:
- To melt the cheese quickly, place the assembled fries under your oven broiler for a minute or two. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Top with chopped tomato, minced white onion, and plenty of Special Sauce. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side!
Tips:
- Customize the Toppings: Add other classic burger toppings like extra pickles, lettuce, ketchup, or mustard.
- Get Creative with Fries: Substitute waffle fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots for different variations.
- Make-Ahead: The cheeseburger topping and Special Sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a convenient meal during the week.
Enjoy your delicious and crowd-pleasing Cheeseburger Fries!
