Meaty, cheesy, and chock full of tasty mix-ins like hash browns, pickles, and onions, Big Mac casserole is the perfect dinner to make this week! It’s an easy, deconstructed version of the classic burger we all know and love.
We love Big Macs around here. Try this recipe for a copycat Big Mac burger or Big Mac sauce next!
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
Let’s be honest, everything is better in casserole form. It adds a hearty touch that’s so irresistible! This Big Mac casserole is no different, and here’s why you’ll love it:
It’s packed with layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy hash browns. But what really makes it special is the homemade Big Mac sauce, and flavorful mix-ins like chopped onions, lettuce, and pickles! So ditch the drive-thru and gather your family around this flavor-packed casserole. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For both the casserole itself, and the tasty homemade Big Mac sauce that gets mixed in!
Big Mac Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The base of our creamy, dreamy Big Mac sauce.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: Adds a burst of tangy sweetness, just like those crunchy pickles on your Big Mac.
- White Vinegar: A touch of sharpness to balance out the richness.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: For a punch of savory flavor.
- Paprika & Turmeric: Warm spices that bring a subtle smokiness.
- Sugar: A hint of sweetness to tie everything together.
Casserole:
- Olive Oil: Gets our ground beef sizzling.
- Ground Beef: The main protein of the Big Mac casserole. I used lean ground beef!
- Onion: Diced and cooked until soft and caramelized.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances all of the flavors in the casserole.
- Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside!
- Cheddar Cheese: So the casserole has melty, gooey goodness in every bite.
Extra Mix-Ins:
- Shredded Iceberg Lettuce: For some added crunch.
- Dill Pickles: Thinly sliced for that iconic burger flavor (add more if you’re a pickle person!).
- Diced White Onions: A little extra bite, just like on the original burger.
- Hamburger Bun Croutons: Crunchy, toasted bits that add some extra texture. A reminder of the bun (that you won’t miss.)
- Sesame Seeds: The finishing touch, a sprinkle of nutty flavor!
Let’s Make Big Mac Casserole!
This is such a fun twist on a classic fast food item that will have everyone asking for seconds.
To Make the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise, relish, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, turmeric, and sugar.
- Whisk Together: Whisk the ingredients together until combined.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. And more granulated sugar if you like the sauce on the sweeter side!
Casserole Meat
- Preheat Oven, Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink.
- Add Onion: Add the onion and cook until the onions are softened.
- Add in Seasonings: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.
- Mix in Sauce: Pour half of the Big Mac sauce into the meat mixture and stir to combine.
To Assemble
- Potato Layer: Place the frozen potatoes in the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Meat and Cheese Layer: Top the potatoes with the meat mixture then sprinkle on the shredded cheese.
- Add More Sauce: Drizzle ¼ cup Big Mac sauce over the meat mixture then top with the shredded cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and then bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil then bake an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish: Garnish the top of the casserole with additional onions, pickles, and chopped lettuce. Then sprinkle Big Mac casserole with hamburger bun croutons and sesame seeds if desired.
Low-Carb Big Mac Casserole
Big Mac casserole is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly since there’s no bun. To make it even more diet-appropriate, omit the tater tots and croutons. You can also use chopped zucchini in place of the tater tots!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers of this Big Mac casserole are even tastier the next day for lunch! Follow my tips below for storing and reheating leftovers. Be sure to remove any lettuce topping before reheating. Then add fresh shredded lettuce before serving again!
- In the Refrigerator: In the fridge, your casserole should last about 3-4 days. Store in an airtight container so it stays fresh.
- To Reheat: When it’s time to enjoy your leftover cheeseburger casserole you can reheat it in the microwave. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed through.
Other Must-Make Casserole Recipes
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Cowboy Casserole
45 mins
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
55 mins
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Sour Cream Noodle Bake
1 hr 5 mins
Big Mac Casserole
Ingredients
Big Mac Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, more if needed to taste
Casserole
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, diced
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Optional Toppings
- iceburg lettuce, shredded
- pickles
- white onions, diced
- hamburger bun croutons, toasted and cubed
- sesame seeds
Instructions
To Make the Sauce
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In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise, relish, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, turmeric, and sugar.
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Whisk the ingredients together until combined.
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Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. And more granulated sugar if you like the sauce on the sweeter side!
Casserole Meat
-
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
-
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink.
-
Add the onion and cook until the onions are softened.
-
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.
-
Pour half of the Big Mac sauce into the meat mixture and stir to combine.
To Assemble
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Place the frozen potatoes in the bottom of the prepared dish.
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Top the potatoes with the meat mixture then sprinkle on the shredded cheese.
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Drizzle ¼ cup Big Mac sauce over the meat mixture and top with the shredded cheese.
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Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil then bake an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
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Garnish the top of the casserole with additional onions, pickles, and chopped lettuce. Sprinkle with hamburger bun croutons and sesame seeds if desired.
