Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it heats, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Trust me, this little step makes cleanup so much easier later.

In a large skillet, cook your ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease, then toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. The smell alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen to see what’s cooking.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture into the skillet with the beef, letting it all come together into a creamy, savory filling. This step is where the magic starts—it’s the glue that holds the casserole together.

Pour the beef mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top it with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Finally, arrange the frozen French fries on top in a single layer—think of it as your golden, crispy crown. Pro tip: arrange the fries neatly for extra crispiness and presentation points!

Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fries are crisp and golden, and the cheese is bubbling away like a cheesy dream. The waiting is the hardest part, but it’s so worth it.

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some green onions or crumbled bacon for extra flavor. A drizzle of hot sauce works wonders too if you like a bit of heat.