Ever crave the iconic, mouth-watering flavor of a Big Mac but in a comforting, shareable form? You’ve come to the right place. This Big Mac Casserole recipe transforms all the classic elements of the world-famous burger—juicy ground beef, special sauce, cheese, and pickles—into an easy-to-make, family-pleasing dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that combines nostalgia with hearty satisfaction.
What Is a Big Mac Casserole?
A Big Mac Casserole is a deconstructed version of the classic McDonald’s burger, baked into a warm, cheesy dish. It features a savory ground beef layer, a creamy and tangy “special sauce,” and is often topped with classic burger fixings like melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickles. This dish captures the essence of the burger in a format perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Casserole Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: It perfectly mimics the signature taste of a Big Mac, thanks to the spot-on copycat special sauce.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Even beginner cooks can master it.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a certified crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike will love this fun and familiar twist on a classic.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole is just as delicious reheated, making it a great option for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
The Heart of the Flavor: The Secret Sauce
The true magic of this Big Mac Casserole lies in its special sauce. Forget the store-bought stuff; our homemade version is creamy, tangy, and incredibly easy to whip up. It’s the authentic-tasting element that brings the entire dish together, creating that unmistakable burger flavor we all know and love. You’ll want to make extra to drizzle on everything!
Ingredients for the Perfect Big Mac Casserole
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Casserole
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs of lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10 works best).
- Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped.
- Potatoes: 2 lbs of frozen tater tots or diced potatoes.
- Cheddar Cheese: 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon for an extra depth of flavor.
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste.
For the Special Sauce & Toppings
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup of good quality mayonnaise.
- French Dressing: 1/4 cup for that signature tang and color.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: 3 tablespoons.
- White Vinegar: 1 tablespoon.
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon of each.
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Toppings: Shredded iceberg lettuce, dill pickle slices, and sesame seeds for garnish.
How to Make Big Mac Casserole Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a dinner that will disappear in minutes.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Drain off any excess grease. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Make the Special Sauce: While the beef cooks, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Base: Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the special sauce over the beef and spread it out. Sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Add the Potato Layer: Arrange the frozen tater tots or diced potatoes in an even layer over the cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the remaining special sauce over the top. Garnish generously with shredded lettuce, pickle slices, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a 9×13 inch dish to ensure the potato layer gets nice and crispy.
- Drain the Beef Well: To avoid a greasy casserole, make sure to drain the fat from the ground beef thoroughly after browning.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the best melt, buy a block of cheddar and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect its texture. If you’re looking for another cheesy favorite, check out this amazing Chicken Fajita Casserole (coming soon).
Customizations and Variations
One of the best things about this Big Mac Casserole is how easy it is to customize. For a different flavor profile, consider making our incredible Ragu alla Bolognese (coming soon). Here are a few ideas to make this recipe your own:
- Low-Carb/Keto: Swap the tater tots for a layer of cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets.
- Add Bacon: For a smoky, salty kick, add cooked, crumbled bacon to the ground beef layer.
- Spice It Up: Mix in a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the special sauce for a bit of heat.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness, while steamed green beans or roasted broccoli add a nice, healthy touch. It also goes great with our famous Fluffy Dinner Rolls.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the fresh toppings (lettuce, pickles) separately and add them after reheating.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before the final garnish. Assemble and bake as directed, then let it cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole (in an oven-safe dish) in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole without the final toppings and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
To make it keto-friendly, simply replace the tater tot layer with cauliflower florets or steamed cauliflower rice. Ensure your special sauce ingredients are sugar-free as well. The flavor is just as amazing!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. We recommend adding the fresh lettuce and pickle toppings after reheating to keep them crisp.
This recipe is versatile! You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, you could use a plant-based ground meat alternative.
It’s a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli to add some greens to your plate. French fries are also a classic choice!
The Ultimate Big Mac Casserole Recipe
Big Mac Casserole: The Ultimate Guide to a Flavor-Packed Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Drain off any excess grease. Season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- While the beef cooks, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth.
- Spread the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the special sauce over the beef and spread it out. Sprinkle with 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with the remaining special sauce and garnish with shredded lettuce, pickle slices, and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers without the fresh toppings for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this Big Mac Casserole recipe! It’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
