Meet the Big Mac Casserole Recipe you never knew you needed! Imagine all the iconic flavors of that beloved fast-food burger layered in one comforting, golden-baked dish perfect for sharing at the dinner table. Each bite is packed with juicy beef, tangy pickles, and a creamy special sauce, all nestled between luscious hash browns and dripping with melted cheese. If you’re a fan of crowd-pleasing, hearty meals that deliver both nostalgia and pure happiness, this casserole will quickly become your family’s favorite comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, letting each ingredient shine through with its own unique flavor and texture. The result is a casserole that really tastes like a Big Mac in every scoop. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element matters:
- 1 pound ground beef: The meaty foundation that brings rich, satisfying flavor to every bite.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic golden color as it cooks alongside the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): For a punch of savory warmth that deepens the dish’s complexity.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each layer stand out.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Delivers a subtle, zesty background heat.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Provides the iconic burger tang, sharpening up the beefy base.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Brings slight sweetness and balances the savory notes in the casserole.
- 1/2 cup dill pickles (chopped): Essential for that classic Big Mac zing—don’t skip these!
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy backbone for your signature special sauce.
- 2 tablespoons relish: Adds sweet-tart crunch to the sauce, making every forkful pop.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Layers in extra savory flavor, enhancing both the beef and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Creates depth while forming the perfect “secret sauce” flavor.
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns (thawed): These make up the sturdy, golden base—just like the bun but way more fun!
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Melty, sharp, and delicious; half goes into the casserole, the rest on top for that cheesy finish.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretch and creamy richness to every scoop.
- Shredded lettuce (for topping): Offers cool crunch and a fresh, classic burger touch right at the end.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Sprinkle on top for that unmistakable “Big Mac” vibe!
How to Make Big Mac Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for your casserole. Grab a large, deep skillet and place it over medium heat—this will be your playground for all those classic burger flavors.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Add your ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Let them sizzle together for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is nicely browned and the onions have softened. Drain away any excess fat to keep your casserole from getting greasy.
Step 3: Build Flavor with Condiments and Cheese
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, yellow mustard, ketchup, and those tangy chopped dill pickles. Throw in half of the shredded cheddar cheese too. Mix well—everything should be mingling together, looking (and smelling!) irresistible.
Step 4: Whip Up the Special Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, relish, onion powder, and garlic powder. This “special sauce” is truly the soul of this Big Mac Casserole Recipe and lifts every bite to a new level of deliciousness!
Step 5: Combine and Layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine your thawed hash browns, the beef mixture from the skillet, and half of the special sauce. Give everything a gentle toss—this will form the main structure of your casserole.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella. This melty cheese layer becomes the irresistible crust everyone fights over.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Pop your casserole in the oven—no cover needed. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s bubbling and golden on top. Let it cool slightly, then top generously with shredded lettuce, a swirl of the leftover special sauce, and for the full experience, a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
How to Serve Big Mac Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For that signature Big Mac look and crunch, always finish your casserole with a mound of cool, shredded lettuce and a final drizzle of extra special sauce. If you’re feeling playful, a handful of sesame seeds sprinkled right before serving makes the casserole look strikingly like a giant deconstructed burger—it’s both fun and delicious!
Side Dishes
Craving the true spirit of a burger night? Serve your Big Mac Casserole Recipe with crispy baked fries or sweet potato wedges. Prefer something lighter? A tangy coleslaw or a simple cucumber salad brings delicious brightness to the richness of the dish, balancing out each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
This casserole loves a little showmanship. Try spooning it into warm, toasted slider buns for a playful party appetizer or serving it in individual ramekins for a personalized meal. For a fun “burger bar,” let guests top their servings with extra pickles, onions, or jalapeños—the possibilities are as big as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Simply cover the dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making weekday lunches or quick dinners a breeze.
Freezing
If you want to make your Big Mac Casserole Recipe ahead, it freezes beautifully before or after baking. Wrap the assembled (but unbaked) casserole tightly in foil and plastic wrap for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. For leftovers, just freeze portions individually and thaw as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or cover the whole baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. Add the fresh lettuce and sauce just before serving to keep every bite as vibrant as the first time.
FAQs
Can I make this Big Mac Casserole Recipe low-carb?
Absolutely! Swap the hash browns for cooked cauliflower rice to cut down the carbs while still enjoying that irresistible Big Mac flavor. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how well the swap works.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it well, and stash it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just bake as directed, then add the lettuce and sauce right before serving.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Go for it! While cheddar and mozzarella give the best mix of flavor and meltiness, feel free to try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even American cheese for an extra burger-like experience.
What kind of pickles should I use?
Dill pickles are classic for the authentic taste, but bread-and-butter pickles will lend a sweeter, more tangy kick if you’re in the mood for a twist. Chop them finely for that signature texture throughout.
Does this recipe work with ground turkey or chicken?
Definitely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can easily be swapped in. Just be sure to season well and perhaps add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra savory oomph.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving some comfort food and a clever twist on a fast-food classic, this Big Mac Casserole Recipe is your ticket to a fun, delicious dinner. Try it once, and you’ll see why it never lasts long at the table—don’t forget plenty of napkins, lots of smiles, and maybe even some fries on the side!
Print
Big Mac Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of a classic Big Mac in casserole form with this easy-to-make and delicious recipe. Layers of seasoned ground beef, special sauce, cheese, and hash browns, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Main Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons relish
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- Shredded lettuce (for topping)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook beef: Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned. Add garlic, salt, pepper, mustard, ketchup, pickles, and half of cheddar cheese.
- Make special sauce: Mix mayonnaise, relish, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix hash browns, beef mixture, and half of the special sauce. Spread in a baking dish.
- Add cheese: Top with remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. Top with lettuce, remaining sauce, and sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can swap hash browns for pasta or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Enhance the dish with extra pickles or diced tomatoes for a more burger-like experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
