This fun casserole mixes crispy tater tots with delicious ground beef, cheese, pickles, and special sauce—just like a Big Mac! It’s a hearty dish that makes everyone smile.
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy topping? I love serving this at parties. It disappears faster than I can take a picture! 😄
It’s super easy to make—just layer everything in a dish and bake! Perfect for busy nights or a casual get-together with friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for lean ground beef for this casserole. However, if you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken can also work well. Just remember, you may lose a bit of the classic richness from the beef.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a crowd favorite here. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some American cheese for that creamy texture or even pepper jack for a little kick!
Tater Tots: You can substitute the frozen tater tots with hash browns if you’d like. Just be aware that the cooking time might vary a bit, as hash browns can cook faster.
Big Mac Sauce: Making your own sauce is fun, but if you’re in a hurry, feel free to use store-bought Thousand Island dressing as a shortcut—it will give you a similar taste!
How Can I Ensure My Tater Tots Stay Crispy?
Getting those tater tots perfectly crispy is key to this casserole. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your oven is preheated before placing the casserole inside. A hot oven helps the tots fry up nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the tater tots. Spread them in a single layer on top of the cheese. This allows them to crisp up rather than steam.
- Consider baking them for the last few minutes directly under the broiler to give them an extra crunch. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
How to Make Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (32 oz) package frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded lettuce (iceberg preferred)
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the “Big Mac sauce”:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of paprika
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, making a total of around 45 minutes from start to finish. This includes time to whip up the special sauce and let the flavors meld together while the casserole bakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot for baking your casserole.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Season the Beef:
Now, stir in the dill pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and add salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good mix and let it cook for another 2 minutes. Then, take it off the heat.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Grab a baking dish and spread the cooked beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Next, layer the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the beef.
5. Add the Tater Tots:
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. This will create a crispy topping for your casserole.
6. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the tater tots to be golden and crispy, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
7. Make the Big Mac Sauce:
While your casserole is baking, you can prepare the Big Mac sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of paprika. Set it aside.
8. Add Fresh Toppings:
When the casserole is ready, take it out of the oven. Sprinkle the shredded lettuce and sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, dollop the Big Mac sauce over the casserole or serve it on the side. Enjoy your hot and cheesy Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole—it’s like a classic burger in a cozy casserole form!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and will work well in this casserole. Just keep in mind it may have a slightly different flavor, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the taste.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time! Just assemble it up to the baking step, cover it well, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to eat; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Can I Serve This With?
This casserole is hearty on its own, but you might enjoy pairing it with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It’s also delicious with extra Big Mac sauce for dipping on the side!
