Big Mac Casserole
This Big Mac Casserole with Tater Tots is everything you love about a classic Big Mac, but in casserole form, making it a comforting and easy dinner option.
The combination of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots topped with Big Mac sauce is a delicious twist that makes this casserole stand out.
Our casserole combines all the flavors you love from a Big Mac with the convenience of a casserole! Perfect for family dinners.
Big Mac Casserole Recipe Highlights
- Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners
- Includes familiar, easy-to-find ingredients
- Comfort food with a twist for Big Mac lovers
- Topped with crispy tater tots for a fun, kid-friendly dish
- Simple and easy to assemble in under 30 minutes
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
BEEF – For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. Do not use anything fattier than this, as it ensures the beef remains juicy and flavorful without being too greasy.
CREAM CHEESE – Softening the cream cheese before adding it to the skillet helps it blend more smoothly with the other ingredients. You can leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using it or microwave it for about 10-15 seconds.
PICKLES – Chopped pickles add that classic Big Mac crunch and tangy flavor. For a more intense pickle flavor, use dill pickles. If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, bread and butter pickles work well.
TATER TOTS – These bake up crispy and golden on top, adding a fun twist to the dish. You can swap them out for potato rounds or hash browns if you prefer.
TOPPINGS – If adding topping, do so right before serving. That way they will stay crisp and fresh.
How To Make Big Mac Casserole
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then add the diced onion and garlic. Cook until the onion softens.
- Stir in the cream cheese, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in the pickles and cheddar cheese.
- Spread the beef mixture into a baking dish, top with the remaining cheese and tater tots.
- Bake at 375° Fahrenheit for 35-40 minutes until the tater tots are crispy.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Once cooled, place the casserole in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
FREEZE – You can freeze this casserole before adding the tater tots for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake with fresh tater tots when ready.
REHEAT – For best results, reheat individual portions in the oven at 350° Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If in a hurry, the microwave works, but the tater tots won’t stay as crispy.
MAKE AHEAD – You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and just top with tater tots and cheese when ready to bake.
More Easy and Delicious Casserole Recipes
Serving Suggestions
GERMAN CUCUMBER SALAD – This refreshing, tangy cucumber salad is a great pairing with the rich casserole. The cool, crisp cucumbers and light dressing help balance out the hearty flavors.
OATMEAL DINNER ROLLS – These soft, slightly sweet rolls make a great side, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the casserole
AIR FRYER CHEESY GARLIC BREAD – A great side to enjoy with this casserole. The cheesy garlic bread is quick to prepare and adds an extra touch of comfort.
CHOPPED TOMATO SALAD – A simple chopped salad with tomatoes, onions, and a light vinaigrette provides a fresh, zesty side to serve alongside this hearty meal.
CREAMY CUCUMBER SALAD – This light and refreshing salad balances the richness of the casserole. The crisp cucumbers with a tangy dressing add a fresh contrast to the savory dish.
Recipe Success Tips
DRAIN THE GROUND BEEF WELL – After browning the beef, make sure to drain any excess fat thoroughly. Too much grease will make the casserole soggy and prevent the tater tots from crisping up properly.
USE COLD TATER TOTS – Keep the tater tots frozen until you’re ready to add them to the casserole. If they start to thaw, they may get mushy instead of crispy while baking.
GRATE YOUR OWN CHEESE – Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a better melt and a creamier, cheesier casserole.
TATER TOT ARRANGEMENT – Arrange the tater tots in a single layer, side by side, rather than piling them on top of each other. This guarantees they all cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
TOPPINGS – Add the toppings just before servings. If you’re adding lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes, wait until right before serving. Adding them too early will cause them to wilt, which takes away from the texture contrast in the dish.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
While ground beef is traditional for a Big Mac flavor, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like plant-based ground meat. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use an equal amount of ricotta cheese or mascarpone cheese for a similar creamy texture. Greek yogurt can also work as a substitute, though it will add a slightly tangier flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, you can add vegetables to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor. Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be mixed in with the ground beef mixture. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic to soften before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. While cheddar provides a classic sharp flavor, you can use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder taste or pepper jack for a bit of heat. Just ensure the cheese melts well to maintain the casserole’s creamy texture.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch dishes and adjust the baking time as needed, ensuring the casserole is heated through, and the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
Even More Easy and Delicious Casseroles
Big Mac Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup pickles chopped
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 1 32-ounce package frozen tater tots
Optional Toppings
- ½ to 1 cup homemade Big Mac sauce click on link for homemade version, or choose a store-bought version
- lettuce shredded
- Pickle chips
- tomatoes chopped
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375° Fahrenheit.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent – about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cream cheese, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the mixture is well combined and heated through. Mix in the chopped pickles and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread the ground beef mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the ground beef mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes. Top with shredded lettuce, pickle chips, chopped tomatoes, a drizzle of Big Mac sauce, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. (optional)
Notes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.