Description
A delicious casserole inspired by the classic Big Mac, featuring a hearty layer of seasoned beef, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80–90% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dill pickles
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (optional)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup extra burger sauce or thousand island dressing for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, and cook while breaking it up with a spatula until mostly browned.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, until the onion is softened and the beef is fully cooked.
- Drain any excess grease from the pan, then season the beef with salt, black pepper, ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring well to combine.
- Let the beef mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, sweet relish, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of salt to make the Big Mac–style sauce.
- Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly in the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spoon about two-thirds of the Big Mac–style sauce over the beef layer and gently spread it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the saucy beef layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the cheese, placing them snugly side by side.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the tater tots are deeply golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking to make the tater tots extra crispy, watching closely so they do not burn.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to set slightly.
- Just before serving, top the casserole with shredded iceberg lettuce and a handful of extra chopped pickles if you like.
- Drizzle the remaining Big Mac–style sauce or thousand island dressing over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Scoop into bowls or plates and serve immediately while the tater tots are still warm and crisp.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
- Feel free to customize toppings to your liking!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg