Big Mac Casserole Recipe: Easy Weeknight Meal!
A hearty and nostalgic casserole that transforms all the iconic Big Mac flavors—seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots—into an easy, customizable, family-friendly weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking dish (9x13-inch recommended)
- mixing bowls
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground beef ideally 80/20 or 90/10 lean
- 1 bag tater tots or other "fries" like onion rings or sweet potato fries, par-cooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheese blend (cheddar & mozzarella, or Swiss)
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard added to beef for flavor
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp vinegar white or apple cider
- 1 tsp sugar
- Optional: chopped dill pickles for topping
Instructions
Prepare the "fries":
- Preheat oven according to package instructions for tater tots or fries. Par-cook them until just starting to crisp. Toss with melted butter or olive oil for added crispiness if desired.
Cook the ground beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic, then ground beef. Cook until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Drain excess fat.
Assemble the casserole:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, layer par-cooked fries, beef mixture, and shredded cheese.
Make the Big Mac Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, vinegar, sugar, and a dash of garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce. Taste and adjust.
Add sauce and bake:
- Pour half the sauce over the cheese layer in the casserole. Optional: add chopped pickles. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve:
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped lettuce, or more pickles if desired.
Notes
- For crispier fries on top, tent with foil halfway through baking, then remove and increase oven temp to 400°F for the final 10–15 minutes.
- For extra moisture, deglaze beef pan with beef broth and add to beef before layering.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Customize with veggies, different cheeses, or meat substitutes like lentils or tofu