This hearty casserole is a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a Big Mac in a comforting dish. It features a creamy ground beef mixture, topped with melty cheese, crispy tater tots, and a special Big Mac sauce.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings.
Craving a Big Mac but want something a little different? This casserole combines the iconic burger's flavors with crispy tater tots for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 Ib lean ground beef
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced dill pickle
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 24 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brown ground beef in a pan, then drain excess grease.
- Stir in Thousand Island dressing, mayo, onion, pickles, and seasonings.
- Spread beef mixture in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with cheese.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown.
- Sprinkle with lettuce and drizzle with Thousand Island dressing.
Notes
Why You’ll Love Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
If you love Big Macs and crave a comforting, cheesy, and indulgent casserole, then Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is about to become your new favorite dish. This creative twist on the iconic McDonald’s burger combines all its beloved flavors with crispy, golden tater tots in a rich, satisfying bake. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:1. Classic Big Mac Flavors in a New Form
The Big Mac is famous for its layered flavors—savory seasoned beef, melty cheese, pickles, onions, and that signature sauce. This casserole takes those same elements and transforms them into a warm, bubbly dish that’s both familiar and exciting. Instead of a bun, crispy tater tots provide a crunchy, potato-packed base, making it even more satisfying.2. Crispy, Cheesy, and Comforting
There’s something irresistible about the combination of crunchy tater tots and gooey melted cheese. This casserole delivers on both textures, with the tots crisping up beautifully on top while the inside remains soft and cheesy. Every bite has a mix of crunch, creaminess, and hearty beef, making it the ultimate comfort food.3. Easy and Convenient
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is perfect for busy nights because it’s simple to throw together with minimal effort. You don’t need fancy ingredients—just ground beef, cheese, tater tots, pickles, onions, and a few pantry staples. You can prep everything in one pan, layer it up, and let the oven do the work. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, as leftovers reheat beautifully.4. A Crowd-Pleasing Dish
This casserole is a guaranteed hit at family dinners, potlucks, and game nights. Everyone loves a Big Mac, and when you present it in a cheesy, tater tot-topped casserole, people won’t be able to resist. It’s fun, nostalgic, and a surefire way to make any meal more exciting.Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole Tips and Serving Tricks
The Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious, fun twist on the classic fast-food burger, packed with layers of ground beef, cheese, special sauce, and crispy tater tots. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a party, here are some key tips and serving tricks to make it even better.Tips for the Perfect Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
1. Use Quality Ground Beef
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 works, but consider adding a little butter or oil for moisture.
2. Season Well
- Classic Big Mac flavors come from salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of mustard can enhance the beef’s flavor.
3. Get the Sauce Just Right
- Mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and vinegar for an authentic Big Mac sauce.
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before using to let the flavors meld.
4. Layering Matters
- Start with a layer of cooked ground beef.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar or American cheese over the beef.
- Drizzle some Big Mac sauce before adding the final tater tot layer for extra flavor infusion.
5. Crispy Tots are Key
- Arrange the tater tots in neat rows for an even, crispy crust.
- For extra crispiness, bake the tots separately for 10 minutes before assembling.
6. Bake to Perfection
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes for a gooey, melted topping.
7. Garnish for Freshness
- Lettuce, diced pickles, sesame seeds, and more Big Mac sauce on top add the classic burger experience.
- If serving at a party, drizzle sauce artistically for a great presentation.
Serving Tricks for Maximum Enjoyment
1. Individual Servings for a Party
- Instead of a large dish, bake in muffin tins for bite-sized portions.
- These are great for game nights, BBQs, or potlucks.
2. Family-Style vs. Loaded Bowls
- Serve in a large casserole dish for traditional family-style dinners.
- Or create Big Mac bowls by scooping portions into individual bowls and topping with extra sauce, lettuce, and pickles.
3. Side Dishes to Complement the Casserole
- Crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad balances the richness.
- Sweet potato fries or onion rings add a fun fast-food twist.
4. Customize for Different Diets
- Low-carb version: Swap tater tots for cauliflower tots or shredded roasted cauliflower.
- Gluten-free: Ensure all seasonings, pickles, and dressings are GF-certified.
5. Reheating for Best Results
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes to keep the tots crispy.
- Air fry leftovers for 5-7 minutes at 375°F for extra crunch.
Here are 5 tips for making a delicious Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole:
- Get the Sauce Right: The key to a great Big Mac Casserole is the sauce. Make sure to use a good quality Thousand Island dressing and adjust the seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder) to your liking. Some recipes even include a touch of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Browning the ground beef helps to develop flavor and ensures that the meat is cooked through. 1 Drain off any excess grease before adding the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Tater Tots: Bake the casserole according to the recipe instructions, but keep a close eye on the tater tots. You want them to be golden brown and crispy, but not burnt.
- Fresh Toppings are Key: Top the finished casserole with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a few dill pickle slices. This adds freshness and crunch.
