Big Mac Casserole

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy the iconic Big Mac flavors without the drive-thru hassle, then this Big Mac Casserole is your answer! It captures all those beloved tastes—juicy beef, zesty pickles, and that special sauce—wrapped in a warm, cheesy embrace. I promise you, this dish will become a staple in your home just like it has in mine. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but satisfying or for family gatherings where everyone can dig in and share.

I love making this casserole because it’s so easy to throw together, and the kids adore it. Plus, it’s one of those meals that gets better with leftovers, making it great for meal prep too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in no time! Perfect for those evenings when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: With familiar flavors that everyone loves, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner. Just bake and serve right from the dish!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble this ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Weeknight savior!
• Comfort Food at Its Best: The gooey cheese, seasoned beef, and tangy sauce make every bite feel like a warm hug.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, bringing all the classic Big Mac flavors to life in a casserole form! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Casserole

• 2 lbs ground beef (I use 80/20 for that authentic fast food flavor)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I won’t judge)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 6 chicken hamburger buns, torn into bite-sized pieces (stale ones actually work better!)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

For the Special Sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise (full fat is best here)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (the secret ingredient!)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For Topping

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the orange kind for that classic look)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 8 slices American cheese (yes, the plastic-wrapped kind)

Variations

One of the best things about this Big Mac Casserole is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add some spice: If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick!
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans for a meatless option that’s just as hearty.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack to mix things up!

How to Make Big Mac Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks so you get nice crumbles. This step is crucial because browning adds depth of flavor through those lovely caramelized bits. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add diced onions to the skillet with your beef and sauté until they’re soft and translucent—about 3-4 minutes. Then toss in minced garlic for an additional minute. This combo creates an aromatic base that brings out all those delicious flavors we love!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked beef mixture with Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and torn hamburger buns. Mix well until everything is evenly coated; this forms the heart of our casserole.

Step 4: Prepare Special Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. This special sauce is what truly makes our casserole shine!

Step 5: Layer Your Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased baking dish, layer half of your beef mixture first. Then pour half of your special sauce over it. Follow this with half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers until everything is used up.

Step 6: Bake Away!

Top your layered casserole with American cheese slices and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. The aroma will have everyone rushing to the table!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your casserole cool slightly before serving. Top each portion with shredded lettuce and chopped dill pickles for that fresh crunch reminiscent of a classic Big Mac. Dig in and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Big Mac Casserole

Making this Big Mac Casserole is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips up your sleeve!

• Use Stale Buns: Stale buns soak up the flavors better and help create a deliciously thick base, giving your casserole that classic Big Mac texture.

• Don’t Skip the Special Sauce: Mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, mustard, vinegar, and spices creates a zesty sauce that is key to achieving that authentic taste. It’s what makes every bite feel just like the real deal!

• Layering is Key: When assembling, take your time to layer the ingredients evenly. This ensures that each serving is packed with all those mouthwatering flavors.

• Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?), consider adding an extra layer of shredded cheese on top before baking. It gives an even more gooey texture and pulls everything together beautifully.

• Let it Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut into perfect squares.

How to Serve Big Mac Casserole

Serving this casserole is all about making it feel special and delightful! Here are some fun ideas to present this dish in style.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Lettuce: A sprinkle of fresh lettuce on top adds crunch and brightness, mimicking the classic Big Mac experience.
• Sliced Dill Pickles: Placing some extra sliced pickles on top not only looks appealing but enhances that tangy flavor profile.
• Sesame Seeds: A light dusting of sesame seeds over the top can give your casserole that iconic burger bun look and feel.

Side Dishes

• Crispy French Fries: Who doesn’t love fries? Crispy golden fries are the perfect sidekick to your Big Mac Casserole and add that fast-food vibe.

• Onion Rings: Crunchy onion rings offer a delightful contrast in texture and pair perfectly with the flavors of the casserole.

• Coleslaw: A cool, creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing element to balance out the richness of the casserole while providing a bit of crunch.

• Sweet Potato Wedges: For a healthier twist, serve with baked sweet potato wedges. Their natural sweetness complements the savory flavors of the dish beautifully.

Enjoy making this Big Mac Casserole—it’s bound to be a hit at your dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Big Mac Casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time and store it for busy weeknights or unexpected guests. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the casserole cool entirely before freezing.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil and reheat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Big Mac Casserole!

Can I make this Big Mac Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, like lentils or veggie crumbles, for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I store leftover Big Mac Casserole?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just remember to reheat thoroughly before serving!

What can I use instead of American cheese in the Big Mac Casserole?

If you’re not a fan of American cheese, you can substitute it with provolone or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor profile.

How do I make the sauce for the Big Mac Casserole?

The special sauce is made by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. It really brings all those classic flavors together!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Big Mac Casserole as much as my family does! It’s such a fun twist on a beloved classic that’s sure to bring smiles around your dinner table. Whether it’s a cozy family night or a gathering with friends, this dish is bound to be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!