Description

This EST Big Mac Casserole with Tater Tots is a comforting and flavorful casserole that captures the essence of the classic Big Mac burger in a hearty, cheesy baked dish. Featuring a homemade Big Mac sauce, ground beef with pickles and onions, topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese, it’s an ideal crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Big Mac Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
2 Tablespoons grated yellow onion (with juices)
1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
2 teaspoons white vinegar (optional, see notes)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Casserole:

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
1 dill pickle, diced small (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided, plus more for topping
1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 (32 ounce) bag tater tots (64 tots)

Optional Toppings:

1/2 cup freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Shredded iceberg lettuce

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Instructions

Prepare the Big Mac Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, grated yellow onion with juices, yellow mustard, white vinegar (if using), paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and garlic powder. Mix well until fully combined. Set aside 1/2 cup of this sauce in a small Ziploc bag to use later for garnish.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Cook Ground Beef and Onion: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes until partially browned. Add the diced onion and continue cooking for another 4 minutes, until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, ground black pepper, and sea salt. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic.
Mix in Pickles, Sauce, and Cheese: Add the diced dill pickles, the remaining Big Mac sauce (not reserved for garnish), 1/2 cup of the sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Assemble in Casserole Dish: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the beef layer.
Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer on top of the cheese-topped beef mixture.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Add Final Toppings and Sauce: Remove the casserole from the oven. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato slices if desired, and the optional 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Cut one corner off the Ziploc bag containing the reserved Big Mac sauce and drizzle the sauce attractively over the casserole before serving.

Notes

The white vinegar in the Big Mac sauce is optional but recommended if you want a flavor more similar to the original Big Mac sauce. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and increase up to 2 teaspoons to taste.
Using freshly shredded cheese is important because it melts better. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
You can customize the toppings with additional lettuce, tomato, or other preferred burger condiments to enhance the flavor.
Be sure to drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/8 of casserole)
Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 900 mg
Fat: 45 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg