Venison Recipe – French Fries Casserole
This comforting casserole transforms lean ground venison into a family-friendly favorite. A savory meat base, seasoned with onion and plenty of black pepper, is topped with a rich blend of cheddar and cream of celery soups. The dish is finished with a generous layer of frozen French fries that bake until golden and crisp, creating the perfect contrast to the soft, savory interior. It’s a nostalgic, one-pan meal that delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is especially beloved by kids and hunters alike. It’s simple, rustic, and deeply satisfying without any fuss.
Description
This comforting casserole transforms lean ground venison into a family-friendly favorite. A savory meat base, seasoned with onion and plenty of black pepper, is topped with a rich blend of cheddar and cream of celery soups. The dish is finished with a generous layer of frozen French fries that bake until golden and crisp, creating the perfect contrast to the soft, savory interior. It’s a nostalgic, one-pan meal that delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is especially beloved by kids and hunters alike. It’s simple, rustic, and deeply satisfying without any fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb of ground venison or beef
- 1 small onion (optional - I always stick onions in ground meat)
- 1 can of cheddar cheese soup
- 1 can of cream of celery soup
- 1. Dice onion and mix with ground meat and pepper to taste (use *lots*).
- 2. Press into the bottom of a 9x9" pan.
- 3. Mix together the two cans of soup
- 4. Cover entire surface generously with frozen french fries.
- 5. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until done - fries should be golden and crispy.
Directions
- 1 Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Dice the small onion if using.
- 2
In a bowl, combine the ground venison (or beef), diced onion, and generous amounts of black pepper to taste.- 3
Press the meat mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish to form an even layer.- 4
In a separate bowl, mix together the can of cheddar cheese soup and the can of cream of celery soup. Do not dilute with water.- 5
Spread the soup mixture evenly over the meat layer.- 6
Cover the entire surface generously with frozen French fries.- 7
Bake for 40 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is heated through.NoteYou might want to add some Tabasco sauce to the meat mixture if you prefer spicier food.
This dish is versatile; feel free to substitute ground beef if venison is unavailable.
For extra crispiness, you can broil the fries for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
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