If you love the iconic flavors of a classic burger but want something more comforting and easy to share, this Big Mac Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite meal. Imagine the juicy seasoned beef, tangy pickles, melted cheddar, and that irresistible Big Mac sauce all layered together into one warm, cozy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. This casserole captures everything you adore about the original sandwich but brings it all together in one hearty, flavorful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create layers of taste and texture in this dish, each playing a key role in making the Big Mac Casserole Recipe shine. From the tender russet potatoes adding a comforting base, to the zesty homemade sauce bringing that unique flavor twist, every component counts.
- 1 lbs. lean ground beef (96/4): Provides juicy, well-seasoned protein without excess fat.
- 1 lbs. russet potatoes, chopped: Adds a hearty, tender bite that soaked up delicious flavors.
- 1/2 white onion, chopped: Enhances savory depth and a subtle sweetness when cooked.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps steam and soften potatoes for perfect texture.
- 1 tsp. olive oil: For cooking potatoes to a golden softness without sticking.
- 2 tsp. yellow mustard: Adds that classic tang that ties the flavors together.
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder: Offers subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor for a layered savory taste.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (112g): Melts perfectly to create a gooey, cheesy topping.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (55g): Creates a creamy base for the signature Big Mac sauce.
- 1/4 cup ketchup (65g): Brings sweetness and acidity to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped: Adds crunch and that unmistakable pickle flavor.
- 1 tbsp. dill pickle juice: Intensifies tanginess in the Big Mac sauce.
- 1 vine tomato, chopped: Freshens and brightens the final presentation.
- A handful of white onions, chopped: Adds crisp onion bite for topping.
- A handful of shredded iceberg lettuce: Provides the cool crunch reminiscent of the classic burger.
- 1/4 cup dill pickle chips: Final garnish to infuse crunch and tang atop the casserole.
How to Make Big Mac Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready when the casserole is assembled. Wash and chop your russet potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces—keeping the skin on not only adds nutrients but also gives better texture and color. Smaller potatoes cook faster, which helps everything meld beautifully in the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the chopped potatoes along with 1/4 cup water. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir frequently to avoid burning, cooking until they soften—this usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Once tender, transfer your potatoes to the baking dish where they’ll mingle with the ground beef.
Step 3: Cook the Beef and Onion
In the same pan, toss in the lean ground beef and chopped white onion. Cook until the beef is almost fully browned and onions turn translucent and sweet. Season well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and yellow mustard. This blend is the heart of the Big Mac flavor, so mix everything evenly before combining it with the potatoes in the baking dish.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle a full cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the beef and potato mixture. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning during baking. Slide it into the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese melts into a luscious, bubbly blanket.
Step 5: Prepare the Big Mac Sauce
While the casserole bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped dill pickles, and pickle juice in a small bowl. This homemade sauce packs the punch that makes this casserole uniquely Big Mac — tangy, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful. Chill the sauce in the fridge until you’re ready to drizzle it over the hot casserole.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
Once baked, remove the foil and carefully take the casserole out of the oven. Drizzle the Big Mac sauce generously over the top, then garnish with chopped vine tomato, fresh onions, shredded iceberg lettuce, and dill pickle chips for that perfect crunch. Serve immediately and dig in—this is comfort food elevated to a whole new level!
How to Serve Big Mac Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh toppings make all the difference. Chopped tomatoes bring juicy brightness, while shredded lettuce adds crisp freshness reminiscent of the original burger. The white onions and pickle chips provide crunch and sharpness, balancing the gooey richness underneath.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple to let the casserole shine. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the hearty dish well. For a cozy meal, tempting roasted veggies or steamed green beans provide a nice textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for charming, personalized portions that make any meal feel special. Alternatively, layering with crispy toasted buns on the side gives you that real Big Mac experience if you want to mix things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Big Mac Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner option that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain that fresh-made flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the potatoes tender. Microwaving works too, but the oven keeps everything tasting just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the Big Mac Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar melts beautifully and gives a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness or a blend of cheeses for more complexity.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Since the recipe naturally avoids bread, it’s inherently gluten-free if you double-check the ingredients like mustard and pickles for any additives.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Sure! Adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture can boost nutrition and flavor without straying far from the original taste profile.
What’s the best way to keep the potatoes from getting mushy?
Chopping potatoes into uniform small pieces and cooking them just until tender prevents them from turning mushy. Avoid overcooking before baking.
Can I make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. The sauce can be made 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated; in fact, resting it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about turning familiar flavors into a warm, cheesy casserole that everyone can share and enjoy. This Big Mac Casserole Recipe brings joy with every bite and is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Big Mac Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Big Mac Casserole recipe transforms the classic burger into a comforting, easy-to-make casserole. Combining seasoned ground beef, soft potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy homemade Big Mac sauce, it brings all the signature flavors of the iconic sandwich in a family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 lb. lean ground beef (96/4)
- 1 lb. russet potatoes, chopped
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- 2 tsp. yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (112g)
For the Big Mac Sauce and Toppings
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (55g)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (65g)
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1 tbsp. dill pickle juice
- 1 vine tomato, chopped
- A handful of white onions, chopped
- A handful of shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup dill pickle chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash and chop the russet potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces with the skin left on to retain nutrients and flavor. Smaller pieces help speed up cooking time.
- Cook the Potatoes: Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add the chopped potatoes along with 1/4 cup water. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook while stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning until the potatoes begin to soften, approximately 5 to 10 minutes depending on piece size. Once softened, transfer potatoes to a baking dish.
- Cook the Beef and Onion: In the same pan, add the ground beef and chopped half white onion. Cook until beef is nearly fully browned and onions have softened. Season with salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 2 teaspoons yellow mustard. Mix well and then combine this beef mixture evenly with the potatoes in the baking dish.
- Add the Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the potato and beef mixture. Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted thoroughly.
- Prepare the Big Mac Sauce: While baking, in a small bowl combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles, and 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to use to keep it fresh and flavorful.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Once baking is done, remove the foil and the casserole from the oven. Drizzle the prepared Big Mac sauce evenly over the top. Garnish with chopped vine tomato, a handful of chopped white onions, shredded iceberg lettuce, and 1/4 cup dill pickle chips. Serve immediately and enjoy a delicious homemade take on the Big Mac.
Notes
- Leaving the skin on the russet potatoes adds extra texture and nutrients.
- Stir potatoes frequently while cooking to avoid burning and ensure even softening.
- Covering the casserole with foil while baking prevents the cheese from browning too much.
- Refrigerate the Big Mac sauce if preparing ahead to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of mustard and pickles in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
