Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

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This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is an easy, cheesy twist on the classic fast-food burger and a traditional tater tot casserole, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. With layers of seasoned ground beef, pickles, and melty cheese, all topped off with crispy tater tots; this casserole brings all the traditional goodness straight to your kitchen. Trust me, this Big Mac Casserole recipe is about to become a family favorite!

Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole served and topped with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Expert Tips
Recipe FAQs
More Recipes You'll Love
📖 Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Big Mac Casserole with Tater Tots is the ultimate comfort food. It’s like having a fast-food favorite in a warm casserole that’s perfect for the whole family.

Here’s why it’s a hit:

Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, special sauce, or extra pickles, for even more Big Mac goodness!

Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknights when you need something simple but delicious.

Crowd-pleaser: The combination of ground beef, pickles, cheese, and Thousand Island brings the Big Mac flavors we all love.

Looking for other hearty casseroles? Check out this Chicken Spaghetti Recipe!

Ingredients

Ground beef: The hearty base of the casserole, giving it that signature Big Mac flavor with a savory, juicy bite.

Onion: Adds a layer of sweetness and slight crunch, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.

Shredded cheddar cheese: The melty, gooey element that brings everything together with a sharp, cheesy flavor.

Frozen tater tots: The crispy topping that adds texture and crunch, making this casserole extra fun to eat.

Pickles: Provide that classic Big Mac tanginess, adding a zesty dill flavor that cuts through the richness.

Thousand Island dressing (or special sauce): This ties the whole dish together with its sweet, tangy flavor that mimics the signature Big Mac sauce.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the casserole, enhancing the richness and mimicking the Big Mac’s signature sauce.

Lipton Onion Soup Mix: Boosts the flavor with a savory, oniony seasoning that deepens the overall taste of the dish.

Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the flavor, bringing out the flavor in every ingredient.

Optional: Shredded lettuce and sesame seeds for garnish add a fresh crunch, and the sesame seeds give a nod to the classic burger bun.

Another excellent variation is this Taco Tater Tot Casserole!

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ground beef and onions browning and sautéing in a cast iron skillet.

Step 1: Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet. Add chopped onions and cook until soft.

Strain the ground beef and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

Thousand Island Dressing and Mayonnaise being stirred into a seasoned ground beef and onion mixture.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°f.

Add the Salt, Pepper, and Lipton Onion Soup Mix into the ground beef and mix well. Add the Thousand Island Dressing and mayonnaise, mixing until fully combined.

Pickles laid out over the top of a big mac ground beef mixture evenly spread in casserole dish.

Step 3: Evenly spread the Big Mac ground beef mixture in a 9x13-inch casserole dish and top with dill pickle slices.

Shredded cheddar cheese and frozen tater tots spread over the top of a Big Mac Casserole with Tater Tots.

Step 4: Top the ground beef and pickles with shredded cheddar cheese, then evenly distribute the tater tots over the top of the Big Mac casserole.

Bake the Bic Mac Tater Tot Casserole in a preheated oven at 350°f for 45 minutes.

At the 45 minute mark, turn the oven to broil at 550°f for 2 minutes to give the top of the casserole a little extra browning.

Serve hot topped with shredded lettuce and an extra drizzle of Thousand Island.

Expert Tips

Add more cheese: Mix in some American cheese slices and shredded cheddar for an extra cheesy bite.
Make it your own: Switch up the toppings! Try adding bacon, jalapeños, or even a layer of caramelized onions.
Meal prep-friendly: Make the casserole beforehand, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Need more of a kick? You may like Tater Tot Buffalo Chicken Casserole!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be a lighter option while keeping the same great flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Bic Mac Casserole with Tater Tots served and topped with Big Mac Sauce and Shredded Lettuce.

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