Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole brings the famous Big Mac flavors to your dinner table in a fun, easy-to-make form. With a juicy ground beef filling, creamy sauce, crispy tater tots, and a cheesy topping, it’s a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or gatherings.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- lean ground beef
- Thousand Island dressing
- mayo
- diced yellow onion
- diced dill pickle
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- salt
- pepper
- shredded triple cheddar cheese blend
- frozen tater tots
For the Topping:
- shredded iceberg lettuce
- Thousand Island dressing
directions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F.
- Cook the beef: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add the ground beef along with a dab of margarine or butter. Crumble the beef as it cooks, breaking it up into small pieces. Once the beef is fully cooked, remove from heat and drain any excess grease.
- Prepare the Big Mac sauce: Add the Thousand Island dressing, mayo, diced onion, diced dill pickle, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir everything together until fully combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add the topping: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded lettuce on top of the casserole, and drizzle with additional Thousand Island dressing.
- Serve and enjoy: Scoop out servings and enjoy this delicious Big Mac-inspired casserole!
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Add more veggies: You can add other vegetables like tomatoes or lettuce to the casserole mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Kick: If you like spice, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle some jalapeños on top before baking.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this casserole.
- Cheese Variation: You can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or American cheese, for a different taste.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole (but don’t bake it), cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. When you’re ready to bake, just add the tater tots and bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
If you don’t have Thousand Island dressing, you can use a mix of mayo, ketchup, and relish as a substitute for the sauce.
Can I make this casserole without the tater tots?
Yes, you can use frozen French fries or even hashbrowns as a substitute for tater tots.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
How do I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?
Make sure the tater tots are placed in a single layer and bake them until they are golden and crispy. If you’re making this ahead of time, bake the casserole just until the tater tots are cooked through, then finish baking them when you reheat.
What should I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for extra greens.
Conclusion
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole takes all the best elements of a Big Mac and transforms them into a comforting and fun casserole. With a savory beef base, cheesy topping, and crispy tater tots, it’s a meal that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or even as a make-ahead dish. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household!
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole combines the best flavors of a Big Mac into a comforting casserole. With a savory beef base, tangy Big Mac sauce, shredded cheese, and crispy tater tots, this dish is perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prepping.
Ingredients
- For the Beef Base:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup diced dill pickle
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Casserole:
- 2 cups shredded triple cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- Additional Thousand Island dressing for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large sauté pan, cook the ground beef with a dab of margarine or butter over medium-high heat, crumbling the beef as it cooks. Once cooked, drain excess grease.
- Prepare the Big Mac Sauce: Add Thousand Island dressing, mayo, diced onion, diced dill pickle, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir to combine.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the Tater Tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add the Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle shredded lettuce on top, and drizzle with additional Thousand Island dressing.
- Serve: Scoop out servings and enjoy!
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this casserole.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with plant-based ground meat.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
