Big Mac Casserole: A Comforting Twist on a Fast-Food Classic

Growing up, cooking was my way to hold onto home, especially after moving far away as a teen. Those dishes I recreated weren’t just food, they were love and connection. This Big Mac Casserole brings that same warmth to the table, turning a fast-food favorite into a cozy, home-cooked meal. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a fun, family-friendly dish that sparks joy and togetherness. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Big Mac Casserole captures the iconic burger’s flavors, juicy beef, melty cheese, tangy sauce, and crisp toppings, in a comforting, baked dish. It’s quick, kid-approved, and feels like a treat without the drive-thru. Crispy russet potatoes stand in for fries, and a special sauce with a hint of smoked paprika adds a personal touch inspired by my heritage. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (or plant-based meat for vegetarian)
• 2 medium russet potatoes, diced (or cauliflower rice for keto)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Big Mac Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles
• 1 tbsp pickle juice
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (my signature touch)

For Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup diced dill pickles
• ¼ cup diced onions
• Optional: 1 tsp sesame seeds for a bun-like nod

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep Potatoes: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add diced potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 8-10 minutes until soft and slightly golden. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, add ground beef, diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the beef, until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
3. Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13 baking dish, spread potatoes evenly. Layer beef mixture over potatoes, then sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Make the Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped pickles, pickle juice, mustard, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth.
6. Add Toppings: Remove casserole from oven. Drizzle Big Mac sauce over the top. Scatter lettuce, cherry tomatoes, pickles, and onions. Sprinkle sesame seeds for a burger-like touch.
7. Serve: Serve hot with a side salad or air fryer carrot fries for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Cultural Twist: Smoked paprika adds a warm, unique flavor inspired by my heritage. Adjust for a bolder kick!
• Meal Prep: Assemble beef and potato layers up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding sauce Dietary Swaps:
  • Keto: Use cauliflower rice instead of potatoes.
  • Vegetarian: Swap beef for plant-based meat or lentils.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Worcestershire or coconut aminos.
• Kid-Friendly: Create a toppings bar for kids to customize their portions, making dinner fun.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes, adding fresh toppings.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a star on its own but pairs well with a crisp side salad or air fryer carrot fries to keep the fast-food vibe. Serve with iced tea or sparkling lemonade for a casual, joyful meal. Share it with loved ones and let it spark stories around your table, just like cooking does for me.

Frequently Asked Questions

Join the Culinary Journey

This Big Mac Casserole is my way of sharing comfort and connection through food. It’s a dish that brings people together, one bite at a time. Try it, add your own twists, and share your creations! Explore more recipes on the website for your next culinary adventure. How do you remix your favorite classics? Let’s inspire each other!

If you love this recipe, you’ll definitely want to peek into this crockpot lasagna soup

Big Mac Casserole: A Comforting Twist on a Fast-Food Classic

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• Author: Jana
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Big Mac Casserole transforms the iconic fast-food burger into a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Imagine juicy ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy potatoes, all layered together and topped with a tangy, creamy Big Mac sauce that’s spiked with a hint of smoked paprika for a unique twist. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions add a crisp, burger-like finish. Inspired by my journey of recreating comforting dishes to stay connected to home, this casserole is quick, kid-friendly, and bursting with nostalgic flavors that bring everyone to the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)

• 2 medium russet potatoes (about 1 lb/450g), diced into ½-inch cubes

• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 small onion (about ½ cup/80g), finely diced

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Big Mac Sauce:

• ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp (30g) ketchup

• 2 tbsp (20g) finely chopped dill pickles

• 1 tbsp pickle juice

• 1 tsp yellow mustard

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

For Toppings:

• 1 cup (50g) shredded iceberg lettuce

• ½ cup (75g) cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ cup (40g) diced dill pickles

• ¼ cup (40g) finely diced onions

• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, add ground beef, diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

3. Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the sautéed potatoes in an even layer. Top with the beef mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

4. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Make the Big Mac Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped pickles, pickle juice, mustard, and smoked paprika until smooth. Set aside.

6. Add Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven. Drizzle the Big Mac sauce generously over the top. Scatter shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, diced pickles, and onions evenly. Sprinkle sesame seeds for a burger-like flair, if desired.

7. Serve: Serve immediately, scooping portions onto plates. Pair with a side salad or air fryer fries for a complete meal.

Notes

• Cultural Twist: The smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky depth inspired by my heritage. Increase to ¾ tsp for a bolder flavor.

• Meal Prep: Assemble the beef and potato layers up to 2 days ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding sauce and toppings fresh to maintain crispness.

• Substitutions:

  • Keto: Replace potatoes with 2 cups cauliflower rice, sautéed until tender.

  • Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat or 1 cup cooked lentils.

  • Gluten-Free: Swap Worcestershire sauce for gluten-free Worcestershire or coconut aminos.

  • Lighter Sauce: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lower-calorie option.

• Kid-Friendly: Set up a toppings bar with bowls of lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions so kids can customize their servings.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, adding fresh toppings. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (approximately 1 cup)
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg