This Big Mac Casserole packs all the classic burger flavors into one easy, family-friendly dinner. With seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, tangy sauce, and crispy tater tots, it's a weeknight win that always gets requests for seconds.
If you're still in a casserole mood (same friend!) my Stuffed Pepper Casserole if another dinner that always disappears fast.
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Why you'll love this recipe
With all the McDonalds flavors you can skip the drive-thru. This is an affordable and quick enough for a weeknight meal. Finished with your favorite burger toppings and creamy big mac sauce, it's a great comfort food dish !
Watch how to make this Big Mac Casserole (it's easier than you think!)
See exactly how this comes together. From browning the beef to those crispy golden tots on top!
What does a Big Mac Casserole taste like?
It's cheesy, savory, and a little tangy, just like your favorite drive-thru burger, but baked into a hearty casserole. The sauce brings that classic flavor, and the crispy tater tots on top add the perfect crunch.
Big Mac Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9x13 casserole dish
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 pounds ground chuck
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup burger sauce
- ¼ cup Dill relish If you want more tang, use ¼ cup of diced pickles.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 32 ounce bag of tater tots
- ½ cup smashburger sauce or substitute thousand island salad dressing.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spritz baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, set aside.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat pour the oil and add the onion. Cook until the onions are translucent.
- Add the ground beef. Break the meat into smaller pieces Add the seasonings and cook until the ground beef is browned and there is no more pink.
- Drain the majority of fat from the pan.
- Add half the burger sauce and the dill relish (or diced pickles). Mix to combine.
- Next sprinkle in ¼ cup of shredded cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted.
- Pour the ground beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Finish by adding the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown.
- Cool for a few minutes. Top with your favorite burger fixings and drizzle with the remaining burger sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- If you are using lean ground beef, you may not have any excess grease to drain. If you are beef is sticking, add a small amount of oil to skillet to prevent it from sticking. Ground turkey or chicken is an option, but hey... this is a Big Mac Casserole!
- To make a keto big mac casserole leave the tater tots off the top, you could add cauliflower rice instead or just leave them out all together.
- If you are using relish instead of pickles, make sure that you use dill pickle relish instead of sweet pickle relish.
Storage
Refrigerate - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezer - You can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months in an airtight container. To defrost, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating - You can either reheat individual portions in the microwave, or you can reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.Nutrition
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Ingredients
Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card.
- olive oil
- yellow onion
- ground chuck
- onion powder, garlic powder
- salt and black pepper
- burger sauce - no burger sauce? Substitute Thousand Island Dressing.
- Dill relish or diced dill pickles
- cheddar cheese - you can also use colby jack cheese.
- tater tots
Instructions
Here's a quick overview, full step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card.
- Cook the onion until softened.
- Brown the ground beef and add seasonings.
- Stir in the sauce, relish, and a little cheese.
- Transfer to a casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Add a layer of tater tots.
- Bake until golden and crispy.
FAQ's
You can purchase burger sauce at your local grocery store in the condiment aisle, or you can make your own homemade burger sauce.
No, thousand island is not the exact same as the special sauce but it does taste similar.
Yes, instead of ground beef you could also use ground chicken or ground turkey.
Deb's best tips to make this a great casserole
- If you don't have time to make the sauce reader Carol says Kraft Sandwich Spread with a touch of ketchup.
- I like to use freshly shredded cheese instead of the pre-shredded stuff because I find that a block of cheese that's been shredded melts better. You can use any type of cheese that melts well, however I recommend that you use a cheese that has some flavor instead of a cheese like mozzarella.
- If you want extra crispy tater tots on the top, you can bake them slightly first. However, if you leave the casserole in the oven for the full cooking time you should have tater tots with a crispy tots.
Variations
- If you don't care for tater tots, you can use any type of potato that roasts well in an oven. You could also try using hash browns or frozen French fries.
- For a spicier version, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
- You can also switch up the cheese or use a combination of cheeses. Some good combinations include cheddar and monterey jack, or colby jack and american cheese.
- I like to use yellow onions in casseroles like these, but you could also use a sweet onion instead.
Related recipes
- The next time you crave a burger but need an easy dinner recipe, pop these Frozen Hamburgers in the Oven and get ready to enjoy a meal the whole family will love!
- Do you love melty cheese? Then you will want to try this Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole recipe.
- The Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole is an easy-to-make family favorite!
- Are you in the market for a new easy, comforting, delicious recipe? This French Onion Soup Salisbury Steak is a classic meal staple on our table!
Serve with
Garnish the casserole with shredded iceberg lettuce, sesame seeds, and chopped dill pickles if desired. Add them to individual servings and not to the top of the casserole.
A crisp green salad adds a fresh contrast to this hearty casserole. Try a wedge salad for something cool and crunchy. If you want a simple veggie side, steamed Brussels sprouts balance out the richness nicely. And for dessert, keep it light with something sweet like a creamy pudding.
Guys, this recipe is dynamite! It's just like your favorite takeout. It will be a hit with your entire family. We loved it! Having said that, I want to hear what you have to say. Please leave a comment below with your two cents!
Susan Normandin says
My boys would love this! BUT, what is "burger sauce" used? TIA
Debra Clark says
Hey Susan, I updated the recipe card ot make it more clear. You'll use 1/2 cup of of burger sauce, 1/4 cup in the recipe and the remaining amount to drizzle on top. Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention. Enjoy the casserole!
Erica Ecken says
I cannot wait to try this recipe. Question I had was can I pre assemble this the morning before I make for dinner and throw in the oven when I get home?
Debra Clark says
Yes, but way too top it with tater tots until right before you bake it. They should be frozen when you put it in the oven. Enjoy the casserole, Erica!!
Lois says
This is a wonderful easy casserole that you can make and everyone in the family will love it. Give it a try.
Lacey says
The recipe is great! However in the instructions there is nothing saying when to add in the seasoning! Just finished cooking everything and saw the seasonings were still sitting outside of my food! I forgot to add it and the instructions never say anything either!!
Bowl Me Over says
Well now I just feel silly Lacey, thanks for the heads up! I'm glad you enjoyed the Big Mac Casserole, that is one yummy meal!
Lynn says
What burger sauce do you use?
Bowl Me Over says
I use smash-burger sauce Lynn - it's the best! You can find it here - https://bowl-me-over.com/burger-sauce/ if you dont' have time to make it, you can substitute with Thousand Island salad dressing.
Carol McDowell says
If you have it, Kraft Sandwich Spread with a touch of ketchup added works well, too.
Debra Clark says
Fantastic tip, thanks Carol!