Big Mac Casserole is a hearty, cheesy dish that brings all the flavors of a McDonald’s Big Mac to your table in a comforting, oven-baked form. With juicy ground beef, crispy tater tots, and a creamy special sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or game night gatherings. I made this for a weekend get-together, and everyone loved the familiar burger taste! This recipe takes about 45 minutes and uses one skillet and a baking dish for easy cleanup. Let’s make this delicious casserole together!

Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Casserole Recipe

This recipe is ready in under an hour and packed with classic Big Mac flavors like beef, cheese, and tangy sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults both enjoy. You only need simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, so it’s easy to whip up. It’s great for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. I love how the tater tots add a crispy, fry-like crunch! You can customize it with your favorite burger toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients for Big Mac Casserole Recipe

For the Casserole:

1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 96/4)
1 small white onion, diced
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup dill pickle chips, diced
16 oz frozen tater tots

For the Big Mac Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 tsp white vinegar
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder

For Topping (Optional):

1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
¼ cup diced tomatoes
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Substitutions: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Swap cheddar for American cheese slices for a classic Big Mac taste. Use Thousand Island dressing instead of homemade sauce for a quick option. Replace tater tots with diced potatoes or hash browns.

Equipment Needed

Large skillet
9×13-inch baking dish
Small bowl
Whisk
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

These are common kitchen tools you likely have. A non-stick skillet makes cooking the beef easy.

How to Make Big Mac Casserole Recipe

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spatula until no pink remains. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and drain excess grease.

Make the Big Mac Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, paprika, and onion powder until smooth. Set aside in the fridge to chill.

Assemble the Casserole

Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stir in diced pickles and ½ cup shredded cheese, then drizzle with half the Big Mac sauce.

Add Cheese and Tater Tots

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese over the beef mixture. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.

Bake the Casserole

Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

Garnish and Serve

Top the casserole with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sesame seeds, if using, and drizzle with the remaining Big Mac sauce. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Tips for a Great Big Mac Casserole Recipe

Drain the beef well to avoid a greasy casserole; I forgot once, and it was too oily. Use full-fat cheese for better melting; low-fat can be grainy. Make the sauce ahead to let flavors blend. I added extra pickles for more tang, and it was a hit. Keep lettuce and tomatoes off until serving to avoid sogginess. Use a 9×13 dish for even cooking. I tried a smaller dish, and the tots didn’t crisp evenly.

Pro Tip: Boost the Flavor

Add ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce to the beef for a deeper, burger-like taste. I tried this, and it made the casserole taste even more like a Big Mac.

Variations and Substitutions

Add ½ cup diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef for extra veggies; I tried peppers, and they added great flavor. Use sweet potatoes instead of tater tots for a twist. Swap mayo for Greek yogurt in the sauce for a lighter option. For a keto version, skip the tater tots and use cauliflower rice.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; keep toppings separate to avoid sogginess. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Can You Freeze Big Mac Casserole?

Yes, freeze the baked casserole without toppings for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F for 20 minutes.

FAQs About Big Mac Casserole Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works, but it may taste less like a Big Mac. I used turkey, and it was still tasty.
Can I use store-bought Thousand Island dressing?
Yes, it’s a quick substitute, but homemade sauce tastes closer to the real thing. I tried both, and homemade was better.
Can I make this ahead?
Prep the beef and sauce a day ahead, store separately, and assemble before baking. I did this for a party, and it saved time.
Why is my casserole greasy?
Excess beef fat can cause this; drain thoroughly after cooking. I drained mine well, and it was perfect.

How to Serve Big Mac Casserole

Serve warm with a side of green salad or carrot fries for a balanced meal. Pair with iced tea or soda for a fun, fast-food vibe.

Nutrition Info for Big Mac Casserole

Per serving (1/6 of casserole, 6 servings):

Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Big Mac Casserole Recipe is a fun, easy way to enjoy classic McDonald’s flavors at home. Its cheesy, beefy goodness and crispy tater tots make it a family favorite. Share your favorite topping for this casserole in the comments below!