Big Mac Casserole Recipe

If you love the iconic Big Mac from McDonald’s, this Big Mac Casserole is the perfect way to enjoy the same delicious flavors in a comforting, casserole form. Packed with all the classic ingredients—ground beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, onions, and that special sauce—this dish takes the best parts of the fast food classic and turns them into a satisfying, family-friendly meal. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic bite or want to try something new, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that brings the taste of a Big Mac straight to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Big Mac Casserole is a fun, easy way to enjoy the flavors of your favorite fast-food burger in a hearty, homemade form. It combines the savory, juicy ground beef with a tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard, creating a creamy base that’s complemented by crispy shredded lettuce, pickles, and tomatoes. The shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, gooey finish, and the sesame seed topping gives the casserole a little crunch that mimics the classic burger bun. This is a perfect dish for a family dinner or a potluck, and it’s a guaranteed hit with burger lovers.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded lettuce
• Diced pickles
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced onions
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Salt and pepper
• Sesame seeds (for topping)

Variations

Vegetarian Big Mac Casserole

For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat alternative like lentils, quinoa, or veggie crumbles. The rest of the ingredients remain the same to keep that Big Mac flavor.

Gluten-Free Big Mac Casserole

To make the casserole gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bread crumbs or skip the bread topping altogether. You can also serve it in a lettuce wrap style for a lighter version.

Add Extra Veggies

You can add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the casserole for added texture and nutrition. These can be sautéed with the onions before adding them to the casserole.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the casserole is assembled.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.

Step 3: Mix the Beef and Sauce

In a bowl, combine the cooked beef and onions with mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Stir the mixture until everything is well-coated and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the beef mixture evenly into a baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the shredded lettuce, diced pickles, tomatoes, and onions.

Step 5: Add Sesame Seeds

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top of the casserole. This step is key to mimicking the sesame bun flavor that makes Big Macs so special.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy this Big Mac-inspired casserole with your favorite sides or on its own.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Drain the Beef: Be sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Shredded Lettuce: Add the shredded lettuce after baking to preserve its crispness.
• Customize the Sauce: If you like your Big Mac with extra sauce, you can add more mayo, ketchup, and mustard to taste.
• Serve with Buns: If you prefer a more traditional Big Mac experience, serve this casserole with burger buns on the side for a true “Big Mac” feel.

How to Serve

This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of crispy fries, a salad, or even some onion rings to complete the meal. For an extra touch of authenticity, top it with additional pickles and a drizzle of extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the casserole in the microwave or in a baking dish covered with foil to retain its moisture.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Reheating

Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella, provolone, or even a cheese blend.

2. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn to the casserole for more flavor and texture.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can add some hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.

4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.

5. How can I make this dish lighter?

You can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and opt for a light mayo to reduce the calorie count.

6. Can I use store-bought sauce?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made burger sauce or Thousand Island dressing as a substitute for the mayo, ketchup, and mustard mixture.

7. Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can divide it into individual portions and store them in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

8. Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. When ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

9. Can I add cheese to the top before baking?

Yes, you can add cheese to the top of the casserole before baking for a cheesier, gooey top layer.

10. How can I make this more like a traditional Big Mac?

For a more authentic Big Mac feel, you can serve the casserole with sesame seed buns on the side or even place the casserole inside buns like a sandwich.

Conclusion

Big Mac Casserole is a fun and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a Big Mac in a new and comforting form. With ground beef, classic burger toppings, and that signature special sauce, this casserole is sure to become a hit at your dinner table. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s a great weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for family gatherings. Whether you’re a Big Mac fan or just love cheesy, hearty casseroles, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

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