If you have ever wished you could enjoy the iconic flavor of a Big Mac in an easy-to-make comfort food dish, then you are going to love this Big Mac Casserole Recipe. This casserole perfectly captures that crave-worthy combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, and that special sauce you can’t get enough of—all baked into a warm, satisfying meal. It’s a fun twist on a classic burger that’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where everyone wants something deliciously familiar but a little unexpected.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the Big Mac Casserole Recipe. Each item plays an essential role, from the juicy ground beef to the creamy mixture that brings all the flavors together in harmony. These simple staples ensure your casserole will be rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
- 2 pounds ground beef: The hearty base of the casserole, providing that juicy, savory flavor.
- 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning with a gentle kick.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cut into small cubes: Melts into the beef for a creamy, indulgent texture.
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided: Provides sharpness and meltiness, split for mixing and topping.
- 4 large eggs: Binds the casserole together for a firm but tender finish.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and keeps the egg mixture silky.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded romaine lettuce: Freshens things up with crisp texture at serving.
- 1/4 cup dill pickle slices: The star crunch with that unmistakable tang.
- 1-2 teaspoons sesame seeds: A finishing touch that recalls the classic bun’s signature look and adds subtle nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Creamy base for the special Big Mac-style sauce.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Works alongside sour cream to create that iconic dressing.
- 2 teaspoons French dressing: Brings a tangy sweetness essential for the sauce.
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish: Adds bursts of sweet, tangy pickle flavor right in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon classic yellow mustard: Adds just the right sharpness to cut through the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory taste in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances the acidity with hint of sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth to round out flavors.
How to Make Big Mac Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Browning the Beef and Onions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this way, it’s ready when you need it. Then, in a large skillet, brown your ground beef over medium heat. Halfway through, toss in the finely chopped onions. Keep cooking until the beef is completely browned and the onions become soft and translucent. This step builds a solid foundation that’s packed with flavor and aroma, which you’ll love as the base of this casserole.
Step 2: Melting the Cream and Cheese Blend
After your beef and onion are perfectly cooked, drain any excess fat so your casserole won’t be greasy. Add the cream cheese cubes and half a cup of cheddar cheese straight into the pan. Stir everything together over low heat until the cheeses melt and become one luscious, creamy mixture. This richness is what transforms ordinary beef into that irresistible Big Mac-inspired filling.
Step 3: Spreading the Meat Mixture
Next, transfer and evenly spread this cheesy beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures each scoop you serve will hold all those delicious layers, making for a visually appealing and tasty casserole.
Step 4: Preparing the Egg and Cream Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until they’re fully combined and smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the ground beef base in the baking dish. The eggs help the casserole set nicely, creating a custard-like texture that holds all the ingredients together perfectly.
Step 5: Adding the Cheddar Topping
Sprinkle the remaining one cup of grated cheddar cheese over the egg-infused beef base. This extra topping will melt to form an irresistibly golden and gooey crust after baking—exactly what you want for that cheesy craving.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and slightly browned, and the egg mixture is fully set. Your kitchen will smell like a burger joint in the best way possible.
Step 7: Making the Special Sauce
While the casserole bakes, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, onion powder, sugar, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. This sauce is crucial—it mimics the legendary Big Mac sauce that everyone loves. Once your casserole is out of the oven, pour this sauce over the top generously or sparingly depending on your taste.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serving
Finish off by sprinkling the shredded romaine lettuce and dill pickle slices over the sauced casserole surface. Top with a light scatter of sesame seeds to evoke that classic Big Mac bun look and an extra crunch. Serve immediately so that crispy-tender lettuce stays fresh and vibrant.
How to Serve Big Mac Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To make the serving experience extra special, consider adding a few extra pickle slices or a sprinkle of fresh chopped onions on top. These garnishes boost the classic Big Mac profile with fresh bursts of brightness and crunch that contrast beautifully with the creamy casserole base.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands wonderfully on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a simple coleslaw pairs perfectly. Both options complement the savory, tangy flavors without competing with that iconic taste you’re going for.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this Big Mac Casserole Recipe for a casual get-together, try setting it out in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This is a fun, approachable way to present something cozy yet unique and allows each guest to serve themselves straight from their personal mini casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The casserole will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day lunches or dinners with all those Big Mac flavors still intact.
Freezing
This Big Mac Casserole Recipe also freezes well. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through, usually about 15 minutes if refrigerated. This helps maintain the cheesy top and keeps the texture just as delightful as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and will work nicely in this recipe. Just be mindful it cooks a little faster and might be less juicy than beef, so you may want to add a splash of broth or a bit more cream cheese for moisture.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all your ingredients are gluten-free (some relishes or dressings might contain gluten), this dish is naturally gluten-free and friendly for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making the sauce ahead is a great time saver. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before drizzling over the casserole.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key to that creamy texture and flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can try using a bit of ricotta or even a little extra sour cream. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious!
How spicy is the casserole?
This Big Mac Casserole Recipe is mild, with just a hint of smoky warmth from the paprika. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture if you want more kick.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and satisfying about this Big Mac Casserole Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser in any home kitchen. It brings the fun nostalgia of a fast-food favorite into a hearty, homemade meal that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes one of your go-to dishes!
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Big Mac Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Big Mac Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish inspired by the classic Big Mac burger. Ground beef is combined with cream cheese and cheddar for a rich, cheesy base, topped with a creamy egg mixture, and baked to perfection. Finished off with a zesty sauce, shredded romaine lettuce, and dill pickles, this casserole captures all the flavors of the iconic sandwich without the bun, making it perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 2 pounds ground beef (browned)
- 4 oz. cream cheese (cut into small cubes)
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup white onion (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup dill pickle slices
- 1–2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons French dressing
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon classic yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Onions: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once the beef is partially browned, add the finely chopped white onion and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent.
- Combine Cheeses with Meat: Drain any excess fat and liquid from the skillet. Add the cream cheese cubes and 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese to the meat mixture. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and evenly incorporate with the beef.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the cheesy ground beef mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure to level it out.
- Mix Eggs and Cream: In a bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs and 1/2 cup heavy cream until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the meat layer in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the egg-beef mixture is set and cooked through.
- Make the Big Mac Sauce: While the casserole bakes, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, onion powder, granulated sugar, and smoked paprika in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the casserole comes out of the oven, pour the prepared Big Mac sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle shredded romaine lettuce and dill pickle slices over the sauce. Optionally, sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons sesame seeds for garnish. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time by assembling the ingredients and refrigerating until ready to bake.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise or substitute cream cheese with light cream cheese.
- Adjust the amount of sesame seeds and sauce to your personal taste preferences.
- Ensure to drain excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
