If you’re craving that unmistakable Big Mac taste but want a comforting, easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love, this Big Mac Casserole Recipe is absolutely the way to go. I remember the first time I made it—I was blown away by how all the iconic flavors came together in one cozy dish without needing to head to a fast-food joint. It’s got everything you love about a Big Mac: seasoned beef, melty cheddar, tangy pickles, and that special sauce, all layered over tender potatoes.

This recipe shines when you need a quick weeknight dinner but still want something that feels a bit special and homemade. You’ll find that it’s not only delicious but also super versatile and easy to customize—plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Once you try this Big Mac Casserole Recipe, it’ll probably become your go-to comfort food for busy nights or casual get-togethers.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • All the Big Mac Flavors in One Dish: Enjoy the classic taste of a Big Mac without the bun, wrapped up in a hearty casserole.
  • Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Quick to prepare and bake, it helps you get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor.
  • Customizable and Crowd-Friendly: Easy to tweak with your favorite toppings or ground meat options to suit your family’s tastes.
  • Comfort Food That’s Fun: It’s a nostalgic twist that feels both indulgent and homey, making the whole family go crazy for it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Big Mac Casserole Recipe is in how familiar ingredients come together to create something new and comforting. I always make sure to use fresh potatoes and real cheddar—it really lifts the dish.

  • Lean ground beef: I go for 96/4 lean to get flavor without too much grease.
  • Russet potatoes: These hold their texture well and absorb the seasonings beautifully.
  • White onion: Adds sweetness and depth without overpowering.
  • Olive oil: For sautéing the potatoes just right.
  • Yellow mustard: A little tang that brightens the beef mixture.
  • Garlic & onion powder: Essential for that savory umami punch.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly on top, creating that irresistible gooey layer.
  • Mayonnaise and ketchup: Base for the iconic Big Mac sauce—trust me on this combo!
  • Dill pickles and dill pickle juice: The secret sauce element that brings all the flavors together.
  • Vine tomato, shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped white onions, and dill pickle chips: For fresh toppings that replicate the Big Mac crunch.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Big Mac Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to switch things up. I like experimenting with different cheeses or throwing in some extras for crunch or spice. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

  • Ground Turkey or Chicken: I’ve swapped ground beef for turkey, which lightens it up but keeps the flavor surprisingly close to the original.
  • Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños gives it a fun, zesty twist that my family loved.
  • Cheese Variations: Mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack can add a new dimension of meltiness and flavor.
  • Make it Low-Carb: Skip the potatoes and layer the beef mixture over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly spin.

How to Make Big Mac Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Potatoes

Start by heating your oven to 375°F. Wash your russet potatoes well and chop them into small bite-sized pieces. I leave the skins on because they add great texture and nutrients. The smaller you chop, the faster they cook, so aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Potatoes

Heat a pan over medium heat and add a teaspoon of olive oil. Toss in the potatoes with 1/4 cup of water and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir often so they don’t stick or burn. You’ll want to cook them until they begin to soften—around 5 to 10 minutes depending on your pieces. Once tender but still holding shape, pop them into your baking dish.

Step 3: Cook the Beef and Onion Mix

In the same pan, no need to wash it out, add your ground beef and chopped onions. Cook together until the beef is almost fully cooked and onions become translucent. Season well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and the all-important yellow mustard—this little bit brings that classic Big Mac flavor we’re after! Stir everything to combine evenly before mixing it with the potatoes in your casserole dish.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over your beef and potato mix. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. This step is pure comfort—trust me, the smell alone is worth it!

Step 5: Whip Up the Big Mac Sauce

While your casserole bakes, mix up the real secret weapon: the Big Mac sauce. Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped dill pickles, and pickle juice in a bowl, stirring until smooth. I like to chill it in the fridge so the flavors meld—it really makes the dish sing when you drizzle it on at the end.

Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve

Once out of the oven, remove the foil and pour the Big Mac sauce evenly over the casserole while it’s still hot. Then pile on shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped white onions, vine tomatoes, and dill pickle chips. These fresh toppings balance the richness and bring that familiar crisp texture that makes a Big Mac so addictive. Serve it up and enjoy the smiles around the table!

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Pro Tips for Making Big Mac Casserole Recipe

  • Don’t Overcook Potatoes: I learned that softer potatoes make the casserole mushy, so keep them just tender with a little bite.
  • Use the Same Pan: Cooking beef right after potatoes picks up all those tasty browned bits for extra flavor.
  • Make Sauce Ahead: I often whip up the Big Mac sauce earlier in the day—it really lets the flavors deepen.
  • Add Toppings Last: Adding fresh lettuce and pickles right before serving maintains their crunch and brightens the dish.

How to Serve Big Mac Casserole Recipe

Big Mac Casserole, Big Mac casserole recipe, homemade Big Mac casserole, easy Big Mac casserole, crowd-pleasing comfort food The image shows a white square baking dish filled with layered food. The bottom layer is cooked ground beef mixed with melted yellow cheese that is gooey and bubbly around the edges. Drizzled on top are light orange sauce patches. In the center, there is a pile of shredded light green lettuce topped with chopped red tomatoes and small white onion pieces. On top of the lettuce and tomatoes, there are several green pickle slices with ridges, arranged evenly. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially underneath the dish, and a small bowl of additional shredded lettuce is visible to the side.

Garnishes

I love finishing this casserole with a sprinkle of extra shredded lettuce and a few more dill pickle chips on top—they add that fresh crunch and tang that make each bite pop. Sometimes I also add a dusting of freshly ground black pepper to amp up the savory notes.

Side Dishes

To keep it classic, I often serve this with simple oven-baked fries or a crisp green salad. It’s also great alongside some homemade coleslaw—the creamy crunch pairs beautifully with the casserole’s rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve individual portions in mini ramekins topped with a drizzle of Big Mac sauce and fresh garnishes. It feels fun and festive, perfect for family dinners or casual parties. Another idea is layering it in a clear casserole dish so guests can see all those colorful layers—super inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after a day, making it a fantastic next-day lunch. Just add fresh toppings when reheating to bring back the brightness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times with good results—just make sure to cool it completely before freezing in a freezer-safe dish. I recommend freezing without the fresh toppings and sauce, then adding those after reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. Microwaving works too but can make the potatoes softer. To restore freshness, I add new lettuce, pickles, and a quick drizzle of Big Mac sauce before serving.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Big Mac sauce from scratch?

    Absolutely! This recipe uses a simple combo of mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped dill pickles, and pickle juice that’s easy to mix up in minutes. If you want a more homemade touch, you can add a pinch of garlic powder and paprika for extra depth.

  2. What’s the best type of ground meat to use in this casserole?

    Lean ground beef is my favorite because it perfectly captures the Big Mac flavor and stays juicy without too much grease. However, ground turkey or chicken work nicely if you prefer a lighter option or want to customize the dish.

  3. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

    Yes! You can assemble everything the day before and store it covered in the fridge. Just add the cheese and bake right before serving for the freshest, meltiest results. Adding the fresh toppings and sauce after baking keeps everything tasting vibrant.

  4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

    Definitely! The familiar flavors and creamy cheese make it a hit with kids. To make it milder, you can skip or reduce the mustard and onion powder—they’re subtle but can be adjusted based on your family’s preferences.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about this Big Mac Casserole Recipe—it captures all the best parts of a Big Mac, but in a warm, cheesy, and cozy dish that’s perfect for busy nights or casual family dinners. I love how it brings a bit of nostalgia and comfort without all the fuss or fast-food drive-thru lines. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight twist on a classic.

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Big Mac Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 133 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Big Mac Casserole recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that captures the iconic flavors of the classic Big Mac burger in a comforting casserole form. Featuring lean ground beef, seasoned potatoes, cheddar cheese, and a homemade Big Mac sauce, it’s baked to perfection and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles to recreate that familiar, beloved taste in a convenient casserole.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lbs. lean ground beef (96/4)
  • 1 lbs. russet potatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 white onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • 2 tsp. yellow mustard
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (112g)

Big Mac Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (55g)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup (65g)
  • 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
  • 1 tbsp. dill pickle juice

Toppings:

  • 1 vine tomato, chopped
  • A handful of white onions, chopped
  • A handful of shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash and chop your potatoes into small bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on. Smaller pieces help them cook faster and more evenly in the pan.
  2. Cook the Potatoes: Heat a pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the chopped potatoes along with 1/4 cup water. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir often and cook until the potatoes begin to soften, about 5 to 10 minutes depending on size. Once softened, transfer them to a baking dish.
  3. Cook the Beef and Onion: In the same pan, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook until the beef is almost fully cooked and the onions are softened. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and yellow mustard. Mix well and then combine this mixture evenly with the potatoes in the baking dish.
  4. Add the Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef and potato mixture. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted thoroughly.
  5. Prepare the Big Mac Sauce: While the casserole bakes, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped dill pickles, and dill pickle juice in a small bowl. Stir until the sauce is well combined and then refrigerate until ready to use.
  6. Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and take off the foil. Drizzle the prepared Big Mac sauce evenly over the top. Finish with shredded lettuce, chopped white onions, chopped tomatoes, and dill pickle chips. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, familiar flavors.

Notes

  • Nutrition facts are an estimate. For the most accurate measurement, weigh the final dish and divide by the serving size.
  • Feel free to use any type of ground meat, but ground beef offers the most authentic Big Mac flavor.
  • Extra Big Mac sauce can be saved and used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.
  • Serving size includes all toppings: 1 chopped vine tomato, a handful of white onion, a handful of lettuce, and approximately 1/4 cup dill pickle chips.

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