Description
This Big Mac Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make comfort meal inspired by the classic fast-food burger. Featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, crispy Tater Tots, and a tangy homemade secret sauce, this dish combines all the flavors of a Big Mac in a hearty baked casserole. Ready in just 40 minutes and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 16 ounces frozen Tater Tots
Secret Sauce and Toppings
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup 2% milk
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- Shredded lettuce
- Chopped onion
- Hamburger dill pickles
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onions: Preheat your oven to 425°F. In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, breaking it into bite-sized crumbles. Cook until almost no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes. Then add the chopped onion and continue to cook until softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Flavor with spices, broth, and milk: Season the beef and onions with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in the yellow mustard, ketchup, reduced-sodium beef broth, and 2% milk to combine the flavors well.
- Add cheese and top with Tater Tots: Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. Spread the mixture evenly in the skillet and arrange the frozen Tater Tots on top in a single layer. (If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the beef mixture to a lightly greased 9×9 baking dish before topping with Tater Tots.)
- Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the Tater Tots are golden and crisp. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole and return it to the oven for 2 to 3 more minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Mix the secret sauce: While the casserole bakes, combine mayonnaise, 2% milk, sweet pickle relish, white wine vinegar, ketchup, yellow mustard, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients well.
- Serve with toppings: To serve, scoop portions of the casserole onto plates. Add desired toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped onion, hamburger dill pickles, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Drizzle with the prepared secret sauce and enjoy this flavorful Big Mac-inspired meal.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easy preparation; otherwise, transfer to a baking dish before baking.
- Adjust baking time based on the Tater Tots package instructions for best crispness.
- The secret sauce replicates the iconic Big Mac sauce and can be made ahead of time.
- This dish can be a great make-ahead meal; reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or beef with a lower fat percentage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
