Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
Turn burger night on its head with this Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole, where layers of seasoned ground beef and crispy Tater Tots mingle under a creamy, cheesy sauce. Top it off with homemade Big Mac sauce and tangy pickles for a fun, delicious twist on the classic burger that’s easy to whip up for dinner.
This kind of meal makes weeknights feel a little more exciting. It’s easy to throw together, kid-approved, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Who doesn’t love a dish topped with crunchy pickles, fresh lettuce, and a drizzle of homemade Big Mac sauce? It’s like fast food meets home-cooked comfort in the best way possible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Mac flavors, no drive-thru required: Get that classic Big Mac taste in a cozy, homemade casserole.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a hands-off bake time make this a great weeknight dinner.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, game days, or potlucks—everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Crispy, cheesy, and saucy: Golden tater tots, melty cheddar, and creamy Big Mac sauce bring all the textures you crave.
- Customizable toppings: Add as many (or as few) as you like to make it your own.
- Leftovers reheat well: If you have any leftovers, they taste just as delicious the next day!
Ingredients
The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps sauté the onions to bring out their sweetness and soften them up.
- Onion: Adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the beef mixture, just like in a Big Mac.
- Lean ground beef: Gives that classic burger taste.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the beef seasoned just right.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky kick to the beef.
- Paprika: Gives the meat a hint of warmth and smoky depth.
- Half and half: Creates a rich and creamy cheese sauce to coat the beef.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the cheese sauce to a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce, making it extra cheesy and delicious.
- Frozen tater tots: The crispy, golden “bun” layer that takes this casserole to the next level.
Big Mac Sauce
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce brings everything together.
- Dill pickle relish: Adds the signature tangy crunch that makes Big Mac sauce iconic.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a bit of smoky warmth into the sauce.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- Yellow mustard: Gives the sauce that familiar Big Mac zing.
Toppings
- Sliced pickles: Because a Big Mac isn’t complete without that pickle punch!
- Chopped tomatoes: Add a fresh, juicy contrast to the richness.
- Diced onions: Bring a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
- Shredded lettuce: Light and crisp, just like you’d get on the real thing.
How to Make Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
Follow along to learn how to make Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole!
- Step One: Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Step Two: Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the diced onions until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step Three: Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, crumbling it into small pieces with a scraper spatula. Drain the excess grease.
- Step Four: Season the cooked beef with kosher salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.
- Step Five: To make the cheese sauce, heat 1 cup of the half and half to the skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining ½ cup of half and half and the cornstarch to a bowl and whisk until no lumps remain. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet and stir until warmed and thickened.
- Step Six: Add the cheddar cheese to the skillet and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Step Seven: Add the beef back to the skillet and stir to combine. Spread the meat evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step Eight: Layer the tater tots on top of the beef in a single layer. Do not overlap or stack the tater tots.
- Step Nine: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the tater tots are golden and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Step Ten: Make the Big Mac sauce while baking the casserole. Add the mayonnaise, relish, paprika, sugar, and mustard to a small mixing bowl and stir. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Step Eleven: When the casserole is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the Big Mac sauce over the top. Top with your favorite toppings.
What to Serve With It
- Crispy Fries or Onion Rings: Keep the fast-food theme going with a side of crunchy fries or golden onion rings.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with ranch or a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the rich casserole.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw pairs perfectly with the cheesy, beefy goodness of this dish.
- Pickle Spears: If you love the tangy crunch of pickles, serve some on the side for an extra bite.
- Milkshakes or Floats: Channel your inner diner experience with a thick milkshake or a classic root beer float.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink helps balance out the richness of the casserole.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or go vegetarian with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.
- Cheese: Try American cheese for that classic Big Mac taste, or mix in Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.
- Sauce: Add a little hot sauce or cayenne if you like some heat, or mix in a splash of white vinegar or extra pickle relish for a tangier bite.
- Tater Tots: Swap them for sweet potato tots, hash brown patties, or even French fries for a fun twist.
- Toppings: Add bacon crumbles for extra indulgence, toss in sautéed mushrooms or grilled onions for more flavor, or serve toppings on the side so everyone can build their perfect bite.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the tater tots as crispy as possible, avoid stacking them too much when storing.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until hot and crispy. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp up the tater tots again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Freeze: You can freeze this casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen at 350°F for about 50–60 minutes or until heated through.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Brown the beef well: Let the ground beef cook without stirring too much at first to develop a nice sear. This adds extra flavor to the casserole.
- Drain excess grease: After browning the beef, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Evenly layer the tater tots: Arrange them in a single layer to ensure they crisp up properly. Overlapping tots can lead to soggy spots.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Grating your own cheese will give you a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Thicken the cheese sauce properly: Whisk the cornstarch mixture well before adding it to the skillet to prevent lumps, and stir constantly while heating for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Let it rest before serving: Giving the casserole a few minutes to cool helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to slice.
- Serve toppings fresh: Add lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.
Tater Tot Casseroles
- Mexican Tater Tot Casserole
- Tater Tot Casserole
- Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Lasagna Tater Tot Casserole
- Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
- Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
- Sloppy Joe Casserole
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Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Ingredients
Casserole
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion diced, about ½ cup diced onion
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 ½ cups half and half divided
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots 2lb bag
Big Mac Sauce
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp dill pickle relish
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp yellow mustard
Toppings
- sliced pickles
- chopped tomatoes
- diced onions
- shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the diced onions until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, crumbling it into small pieces with a scraper spatula. Drain the excess grease.
- Season the cooked beef with kosher salt, garlic powder and paprika. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- To make the cheese sauce, heat 1 cup of the half and half to the skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining ½ cup of half and half and the cornstarch to a bowl and whisk until no lumps remain. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet and stir until warmed and thickened.
- Add the cheddar cheese to the skillet and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Add the beef back to the skillet and stir to combine. Spread the beef evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the tater tots on top of the beef in a single layer. Do not overlap or stack the tater tots.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the tater tots are golden and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- While the casserole is baking, make the Big Mac sauce. Add the mayonnaise, relish, paprika, sugar and mustard to a small mixing bowl and stir together. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- When the casserole is finished baking, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the Big Mac sauce over top. Top with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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