Big Mac Casserole
Big mac casserole is a fun twist on a fast-food favorite. it's a comforting dish that brings the iconic burger flavors to your dinner table.
Big Mac Casserole
Dive into the comfort of a Big Mac without leaving your kitchen with this Big Mac Casserole recipe.
It's a simple, yet delicious blend of classic Big Mac ingredients such as ground beef, cheese, pickles, onions, and that signature sauce, layered with crispy tater tots for an added twist.
Perfect for a family dinner or to satisfy your fast-food cravings with a homemade touch, this casserole offers a comforting taste with each bite.
Ingredients for Big Mac Casserole
Ground beef: Brown it well for a rich taste in your casserole.
Onion: Diced small for uniform cooking. You can adjust the quantity based on your preference for a stronger or milder onion flavor.
Pickles: Diced. Choose dill pickles for a classic Big Mac taste.
Shredded Cheddar cheese: You can experiment with the sharpness level of the cheddar based on your preference, but medium cheddar is a good all-around choice.
Diced Tomatoes: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
Shredded Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce gives the best crunch, mimicking the freshness of a real Big Mac.
Diced Onions (optional): Adding more onions can intensify the flavor profile.
Mayonnaise and Ketchup: Use your favorite brand.
Yellow mustard: The classic choice for that authentic Big Mac flavor. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste for tanginess.
Seasonings: Salt and pepper. Season according to your taste.
Frozen tater tots: These will form a crispy, delightful top layer. For a healthier casserole, look for brands that offer a reduced-fat option. Cook from frozen to maintain the best texture.
How to Make Big Mac Casserole
Preheat: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Make Big Mac Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard in a bowl to create the Big Mac sauce. This mixture will add the signature flavor to your casserole.
Layer: First, spread the cooked beef and onions in the prepared baking dish. Next, add a layer of diced pickles. Pour the Big Mac sauce over the pickles, making sure it's evenly distributed. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce.
Arrange: Place frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
Bake: Put the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Toppings: After baking, add the remaining cheddar cheese over the hot tater tots so it melts. Finish by topping with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and additional diced onions if desired.
Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Big Mac Casserole
Here are some tips, tricks, and hacks to make a big mac casserole easily:
Pre-cooking Ingredients: If you are short on time, cook your ground beef ahead of time. You can even do this the night before and refrigerate until you're ready to assemble the casserole.
Shredded Cheese: Buying pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it yourself can cut down on prep time. Cheese you shred yourself will melt better.
Pickles: Chopped pickles scattered on top before baking, or served on the side, can add that authentic Big Mac zing. Consider using dill pickles for a classic taste or sweet pickles for a twist.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese for the topping. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack can add a nice depth of flavor.
Sauce Hacks: For an even quicker Big Mac sauce, some stores sell similar "secret sauce" dressings that can be used straight from the bottle.
Broiler Finish: For extra crispy tater tots, finish the casserole under the broiler for a minute or two. Watch closely to avoid burning.
These tips should help you make a delicious Big Mac Casserole that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Feel free to experiment and tailor the recipe to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
How to Store Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers cool the casserole to room temperature before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it's sealed well to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
What to Serve with Big Mac Casserole
- Fresh Side Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette or Caesar dressing complements the casserole well.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve with buttery garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots, seasoned simply.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy and zesty contrast.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob is a classic side that pairs well with almost any main dish, adding a bit of sweetness and crunch.
- Cucumber Salad: A cucumber salad dressed with vinegar and herbs offers a crisp, refreshing side.
- Dessert: Finish with a light dessert such as fruit sorbets, lemon bars, or a fruit salad for a sweet ending that isn't too heavy.
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Big Mac Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 cup diced pickles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced onions optional
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons yellow mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook until the onions are translucent and the ground beef is browned. Drain excess grease if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to create the Big Mac sauce. Set aside.
- Spread the cooked ground beef evenly at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Layer the diced pickles over the ground beef.
- Pour the Big Mac sauce over the pickles and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Once the tater tots are cooked, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Add diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and diced onions (if using) on top of the cheese.
Notes
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.
