Big Mac Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving all the nostalgic, savory goodness of a classic Big Mac—without the drive-thru—this delightfully hearty Big Mac Casserole will absolutely hit the spot! Layers of seasoned beef, vibrant veggies, and that iconic “Special Sauce” come together in bubbling casserole form, creating a weeknight winner that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Big Mac Casserole is made with familiar, everyday ingredients that truly shine when brought together. Each element serves a purpose: the beef and potatoes add heft, the veggies provide crispness and color, and of course, the homemade Special Sauce ties it all together in that unmistakable way.

• Lean ground beef: Provides that iconic, savory Big Mac flavor, while keeping the casserole juicy and satisfying.
• White onion, diced: Gives gentle sweetness and depth to the beef base.
• Russet potatoes, diced: The hearty foundation—these make the casserole cozy, filling, and golden-tender after baking.
• Canned diced tomatoes, drained: Add tangy juiciness and balance out the richness of the sauce and beef.
• Green pepper, diced: Infuses pops of color and a subtle, grassy freshness.
• Chopped dill pickles: The signature zing—don’t skip them! They bring that classic burger tang and crunch.
• White sesame seeds: A sprinkle on top echoes the Big Mac bun and adds a lovely toasty flavor.
• Homemade Special Sauce: Creamy, tangy, and absolutely essential for that Big Mac magic. (See tips below for shortcut ideas!)
• Shredded romaine lettuce: The perfect final touch—crispy and fresh, just like the burger topping.
• Extra toppings: More diced onion, dill pickles, diced tomatoes, sesame seeds, and an extra drizzle of Special Sauce to dress each steaming-hot serving.

Variations

One of the joys of Big Mac Casserole is how easy it is to tweak to your tastes or needs. Don’t be afraid to mix things up based on what’s in your fridge, your dietary preferences, or just to put your own delicious spin on it!

• Lighter & Lower Carb: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or a blend of cauliflower and zucchini for a lighter, low-carb version.
• Cheesy Twist: Add a layer of shredded cheddar or American cheese over the casserole before baking for a melty, gooey finish.
• Vegetarian: Swap in plant-based ground meat or lentils for the beef—you’ll still get that crave-worthy flavor!
• Different Proteins: Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a mix of beef and pork for a unique spin.

How to Make Big Mac Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions

Start by browning the ground beef and diced white onion together in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the beef is crumbly and fully cooked, and the onions have softened and turned translucent—this builds a savory base and brings out the natural sweetness in the onion.

Step 2: Layer the Veggies

While the beef cooks, add the diced potatoes, diced green pepper, chopped pickles, and well-drained diced tomatoes to your casserole dish. Spreading each ingredient evenly means every forkful gets a perfect blend of textures and flavor.

Step 3: Combine, Sauce, and Assemble

Once the beef and onions are cooked, drain off any excess grease. Stir in your homemade Special Sauce until the meat is silky and well coated, then pour this mixture over the veggies in the casserole dish. Sprinkle in the sesame seeds and give everything a gentle stir to evenly combine—don’t forget to level out the top for even baking!

Step 4: Bake Until Tender

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are buttery-soft and easily pierced with a fork. This allows all the flavors to meld, giving you that irresistible “burger casserole” aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Step 5: Top and Serve

After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and immediately pile on a layer of shredded romaine, extra onions, pickles, tomatoes, sesame seeds, and a final flourish of Special Sauce. Serve it bubbling hot—burger night will never be the same!

How to Serve Big Mac Casserole

Garnishes

The true magic happens at serving time—finish your Big Mac Casserole with crisp shredded romaine, even more diced onion and pickles, a pinch of extra sesame seeds, and a generous drizzle of Special Sauce. It brings that authentic burger-shop vibe straight to your table!

Side Dishes

This casserole has it all, but if you’d like, pair it with homemade oven fries, sweet potato wedges, or a crunchy coleslaw. For something extra, a creamy mac ‘n’ cheese or even some crispy onion rings play up the comfort-food theme beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve Big Mac Casserole in mini ramekins for individual portions, top them just like sliders, or let guests build their own with a toppings bar! It’s also fun to serve leftovers on toasted buns or as a “burger bowl” with more fresh lettuce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

If you want to freeze a portion, do so before adding any fresh lettuce or toppings. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat Big Mac Casserole in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil until hot, or use the microwave for speedy single servings. Add your fresh toppings only after warming so they stay vibrant and crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring a burst of comfort and fun to your dinner table, give this Big Mac Casserole a try! It’s got the spirit of the drive-thru classic, with the heartiness of true homemade. Gather up your favorite people, pile on those toppings, and dig in—your weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more delicious!

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