All the flavors of the iconic fast-food burger in a hearty, comforting bake—this Big Mac Casserole is layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy homemade Big Mac sauce, melty cheese, crispy tater tots, and topped with classic burger fixings. It’s crave-worthy comfort food at its finest.

Big Mac Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the taste of a Big Mac in a family-sized casserole
Easy to prepare and great for meal prep or parties
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
Comfort food classic with a fun twist
Customizable with your favorite burger toppings

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Big Mac Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons sweet relish
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Casserole:

2 pounds ground beef
1 cup white onion, diced
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 slices American cheese
32-ounce bag tater tots or potato discs

Toppings (optional):

Shredded iceberg lettuce
Diced dill pickles
Finely diced white onion

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
In an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with diced onion. Drain excess fat.
Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add prepared Big Mac sauce and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to combine. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer to a baking dish.
Layer American cheese slices over the beef mixture, then arrange tater tots in a single, even layer on top.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
Before serving, top with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and extra onion if desired.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 589 kcal per serving

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
Add diced tomatoes or jalapeños to the topping for a spicy kick
Replace tater tots with hash brown patties or baked fries
Make it low-carb by omitting the tater tots and using a cauliflower mash topping
Swap American cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot. For best texture, reheat in the oven to keep the tater tots crispy.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance and bake when ready. Store covered in the fridge.

Can I freeze Big Mac Casserole?

Yes, freeze before or after baking. If freezing before, bake straight from frozen, adding extra time.

What can I substitute for tater tots?

Hash browns, fries, or even puff pastry can be used for different textures.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be if you use gluten-free tater tots and condiments.

What’s the best beef to use?

Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) works well without excess grease.

Can I use store-bought Big Mac sauce?

Yes, but homemade adds a fresher taste.

How do I prevent soggy tater tots?

Bake uncovered and avoid adding too much sauce to the top layer.

Can I add cheese on top of the tots?

Yes, a light sprinkle of shredded cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking adds a crispy, cheesy top.

Are the toppings necessary?

They’re optional but add freshness and crunch similar to a real burger.

Can I make this spicy?

Add hot sauce to the beef mixture or use pepper jack cheese for heat.

Conclusion

Big Mac Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that brings the beloved flavors of a fast-food favorite into a satisfying, home-cooked dish. With crispy tots, melty cheese, and tangy sauce all baked in one pan, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for dinner or potluck gatherings.

Emma