Imagine a world where everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger—melty cheddar, savory beef, smoky bacon, tangy pickles, and zesty condiments—comes together on a bed of golden French fries with a sweet maple twist. That’s exactly what you get with these Smoky Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Fries. It’s bold, it’s messy (in the best way), and it’s exactly the kind of skillet dinner you didn’t know you needed.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish is pure comfort in a cast iron skillet. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines crispy oven-baked fries with juicy seasoned beef, melted cheese, and bacon glazed with maple syrup. It’s sweet, savory, salty, and slightly tangy—all the flavor profiles of a diner-style cheeseburger, upgraded.
It’s every bit as indulgent as Dorito Casserole and just as easy to prep as Sheet Pan Quesadillas. Bonus: no one’s walking away hungry.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 lb frozen French fries
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced pickles
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup mustard
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Ground Beef: 80/20 blend gives the best flavor. You can also use turkey or plant-based meat.
- Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup adds depth—don’t sub pancake syrup.
- Fries: Use crinkle cut or shoestring; just bake until ultra-crispy.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar is king, but feel free to toss in some pepper jack for kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F. - Cook the Beef
In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through. - Add Bacon & Maple
Stir in maple syrup and crumbled bacon, plus half of the shredded cheddar. Mix well and remove from heat. - Layer the Fries
Spread frozen French fries evenly over the beef mixture. Sprinkle with diced onion and the remaining cheddar cheese. - Bake to Crisp
Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until fries are golden and cheese is bubbly. - Top & Finish
Remove from oven and immediately top with diced pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Tips for Success
- Preheat the skillet: A hot pan helps the fries crisp better from underneath.
- Don’t skip the maple: It’s the secret weapon that brings smoky-sweet balance.
- Use convection or air fryer settings if your oven has them—for ultra-crispy fries.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This skillet is a meal in itself, but it pairs perfectly with:
- Beer Cheese Dip – double down on the cheese factor
- Crockpot Nacho Dip – ideal for dipping fries or adding more bold flavor
- Dorito Casserole – comfort food overload (in the best way)
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – for a variety-packed table
- Chicken Enchiladas – to complete a hearty, satisfying spread
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Use an air fryer or oven at 375°F to crisp the fries again.
- Freezer: Not recommended—fries can get soggy and toppings don’t reheat well together.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Dorito Casserole – crunchy, creamy, layered delight
- Beer Cheese Dip – sharp, smooth, and melty
- Crockpot Nacho Dip – slow-cooked and delicious
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – fast and customizable
- Chicken Enchiladas – always a family favorite
Final Thoughts
Smoky Maple Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Fries are the definition of over-the-top in the best possible way. Loaded with sweet maple-glazed beef, crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, and golden fries, this dish brings all the burger shop vibes straight to your oven. Perfect for sharing (or not), and even better with a cold drink and good company.
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac with your skillet shots and let us know your topping twists! Don’t forget to subscribe for more cheesy, craveable comfort food favorites from Jason Griffith.
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