Big Mac Casserole

I learned the other day that my husband has never tried a Big Mac. Never. He’s ordered a Quarter Pounder with McDonald’s fries his entire adult life and has never wavered. Consistent and loyal though he may be, I felt it was time for him to experience what he’s been missing by making a casserole version of the iconic fast food item.

This Big Mac casserole has the same great taste as the real deal, but without all the added mystery ingredients and preservatives. A crispy, crunchy Tater Tot crust is topped with a mound of tantalizing burger toppings and a generous drizzle of homemade special sauce.

I don’t mean to brag, but I think my husband was converted to Team Big Mac after just one bite. Perhaps I’ll sway him to try their new Big Arch burger next.

Big Mac Casserole Ingredients

• Ground beef: For the best beefy flavor, choose ground beef with a little fat. An 85/15 beef-to-fat ratio is our recommendation.
• Onion: A small amount of diced onion adds a bit of depth to the meat mixture.
• Seasoning: A blend of salt, black pepper and garlic powder simply seasons the beef and onions.
• Ketchup and mustard: This classic duo lends the Big Mac casserole some tang, sweetness and a little zip.
• Beef broth: A splash of low-sodium beef broth hydrates the beef and adds moisture to the casserole, helping form the creamy cheese sauce.
• Milk: A little milk helps make the cheese sauce rich, creamy and smooth.
• Cheddar cheese: Big Macs are traditionally topped with American cheese, but we find that sharp cheddar gives the casserole a richer, more robust flavor.
• Tater Tots: Instead of a sesame seed hamburger bun, this casserole is topped with a single layer of golden, crispy Tater Tots. Use enough to cover the entire surface of the casserole, about 16 ounces for a 9-inch skillet.
• Toppings: You can doctor up your serving of Big Mac casserole with any burger toppings you enjoy. We keep it authentic by using the same ones as Mickey D’s: shredded lettuce, chopped onion, pickles and sesame seeds.
• Secret sauce: To make a burger sauce that’s sweet, tangy and creamy, combine mayonnaise with milk, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, yellow mustard, ketchup, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the beef and onions

Preheat oven to 425°F. In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into bite-sized crumbles. Cook until almost no pink remains, five to six minutes. Add the onions and cook until softened, three to four minutes.

Step 2: Flavor with spices, broth and milk

Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder, then stir in the mustard, ketchup, beef broth and milk.

Step 3: Add cheese and top with Tater Tots

Bring to a low simmer, then remove from the heat. Add half the cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy sauce. Smooth into an even layer, then arrange the frozen Tater Tots on top.

Editor’s Tip: If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, you can convert this recipe into a 9×9 recipe by transferring the beef mixture to a lightly greased baking dish before topping with the Tater Tots.

Step 4: Bake

Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the Tater Tots are golden and crisp.

Editor’s Tip: Use the package directions for your Tater Tots as a guide for baking, as some brands may require more or less time to become crisp than the recipe specifies.

Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the casserole and return to the oven for two to three minutes until melted.

Step 5: Mix the secret sauce

Meanwhile, combine the mayonnaise, milk, pickle relish, white wine vinegar, ketchup, yellow mustard, salt, onion powder, garlic powder and pepper in a small bowl and stir until blended.

Step 6: Serve with toppings

To serve, scoop the casserole onto plates, add desired toppings and drizzle with sauce. Enjoy!

Big Mac Casserole Variations

• Use a different kind of meat: For a leaner take, try preparing this casserole with ground turkey or ground chicken (like a chicken Big Mac) instead.
• Experiment with other cheeses: Sharp cheddar adds a fantastic cheesy flavor to the casserole, but you can try swapping in American cheese for half the cheddar. You could also deviate from a classic Big Mac and experiment with Swiss, pepper jack or Gouda.
• Add bacon: While it’s not traditional to a Big Mac, cooked and crumbled bacon makes a tasty addition. Sprinkle the bacon over the Tater Tots with the final cup of cheese during the last minutes of cooking.
• Try other tasty toppings: “Have it your way” may be Burger King’s mantra, but it applies to this casserole too. Try it topped with chopped tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, spicy jalapenos, fried shoestring onions or ripe avocado.

How to Store Big Mac Casserole

Big Mac casserole should be kept refrigerated in an airtight food storage container.

How long does Big Mac casserole last?

Enjoy Big Mac casserole within three or four days. Extra secret sauce should be enjoyed within one week. Surprisingly, it makes a fantastic dressing for a cheeseburger salad!

Can you make Big Mac casserole ahead of time?

Yes. You can prep the beef and onion base for this casserole recipe one or two days ahead. Transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish and refrigerate until ready to bake. Then, top with frozen Tater Tots and bake as directed.

The secret sauce can be prepared three or four days ahead and stored in a sealed container.

Big Mac Casserole Tips

What other types of potatoes can you use for this casserole?

If you don’t have Tater Tots or want to experiment with other frozen potatoes, try baking this Big Mac casserole recipe with a topping of shoestring or fast food-style fries. Shredded hash brown potatoes could also work. Lightly drizzle the hash browns with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter before baking to help them brown and crisp.

For a less-processed option, roast crispy smashed potatoes on a sheet pan or prepare air-fryer smashed potatoes while the beef and onion mixture cooks on the stovetop. Top the casserole with the potatoes, then bake for 8 to 10 minutes before topping with cheese.

What should you serve with Big Mac casserole?

When deciding what to serve with this Big Mac casserole recipe, you can go one of two ways: You can either aim for a healthy balance and pair it with a green salad or fresh steamed lemon broccoli. Or, you can “super-size” your McDonald’s-inspired menu and pair this casserole with a dreamy McCafe-inspired strawberry shake.