Have you ever wished you could enjoy the iconic flavors of a Big Mac without the drive-thru guilt or the soggy bun? What if you could recreate that nostalgic taste in a hearty, family-friendly casserole that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Introducing the Big Mac Casserole—a deconstructed version of the classic burger, layered with seasoned ground beef, crispy potatoes, melted cheddar, and a drizzle of that legendary special sauce.
This gluten-free comfort meal delivers the iconic fast-food flavor you crave, all in a quick and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in just 30 minutes.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will savor every bite.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit various dietary needs.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers and next-day lunches.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (96/4)
- 1 lb russet potatoes, diced (skin on)
- ½ white onion, chopped
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (112g)
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (55g)
- ¼ cup ketchup (65g)
- ¼ cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp dill pickle juice
Toppings:
- 1 vine-ripened tomato, diced
- Handful of chopped white onion
- Handful of shredded iceberg lettuce
- ¼ cup dill pickle chips
How to Make Big Mac Casserole
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash and dice potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Potatoes: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, potatoes, and water. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until potatoes begin to soften, stirring frequently (about 5-10 minutes). Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In the same pan, sauté the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Season Mixture: Stir in the mustard along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season the mixture thoroughly.
- Combine in Baking Dish: Add the beef mixture to the baking dish with the potatoes. Mix well.
- Add Cheese: Layer the top with shredded cheddar cheese and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Prepare Sauce: As the casserole bakes, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, diced pickles, and pickle juice in a bowl to make the Big Mac sauce.
- Add Toppings: Once baked, remove casserole from oven and foil. Drizzle Big Mac sauce over the top, then add shredded lettuce, diced tomato, chopped onion, and pickle chips.
Helpful Tips
- Potato Size: Smaller potato pieces cook faster and more evenly.
- Cheese Choice: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Sauce Storage: Extra Big Mac sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week—great for sandwiches or wraps.
- Serving Suggestion: Add toppings just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, mix in some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce with the beef.
- Cheese Variations: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual servings in sealed containers for up to three months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
This Big Mac Casserole brings the beloved flavors of a classic fast-food burger into a wholesome, home-cooked meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving comfort food with a twist, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ready to give it a try? Round up your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and savor a homemade Big Mac experience fresh from your oven. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us—we’d love to see your take on this delightful dish!
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Big Mac Casserole: A Fast Food Favorite Turned Weeknight Hero
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Big Mac Casserole is a quick, family-friendly dinner packed with seasoned beef, crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and tangy Big Mac sauce. Ready in 30 minutes—give it a try tonight!
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef (96/4)
1 lb russet potatoes, diced (skin on)
½ white onion, chopped
¼ cup water
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp yellow mustard
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (112g)
¼ cup mayonnaise (55g)
¼ cup ketchup (65g)
¼ cup dill pickles, finely chopped
1 tbsp dill pickle juice
1 vine-ripened tomato, diced
Handful chopped white onion
Handful shredded iceberg lettuce
¼ cup dill pickle chips
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Potatoes: Wash and dice potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces.
Cook Potatoes: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, potatoes, and water. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until potatoes begin to soften, stirring frequently (about 5-10 minutes). Transfer to a greased baking dish.
Cook Beef Mixture: In the same pan, sauté the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onions are soft and fragrant.
Season Mixture: Stir in the mustard along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season the mixture thoroughly.
Combine in Baking Dish: Add the beef mixture to the baking dish with the potatoes. Mix well.
Add Cheese: Layer the top with shredded cheddar cheese and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
Prepare Sauce: As the casserole bakes, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, diced pickles, and pickle juice in a bowl to make the Big Mac sauce.
Add Toppings: Once baked, remove casserole from oven and foil. Drizzle Big Mac sauce over the top, then add shredded lettuce, diced tomato, chopped onion, and pickle chips.
Notes
For a spicier version, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef. Store extra sauce in the fridge for up to a week. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes