Description

This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole combines the classic flavors of a Big Mac into a comforting, easy-to-make casserole. Ground beef seasoned with garlic and onions is layered with pickles, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots, then baked to golden perfection. Topped with shredded lettuce, more pickles, onions, and a creamy homemade Big Mac sauce, it’s a nostalgic twist on a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

2 pounds ground beef
3/4 cup chopped white onion, divided
3/4 cup diced pickles, divided
1/2 cup shredded lettuce

Dairy

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Starches

32 oz tater tots

Big Mac Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons sweet relish
1 teaspoon paprika

Seasonings

2 teaspoons garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Big Mac Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet relish, paprika, and salt and pepper in a mixing bowl until well blended. Set aside.
Cook the Beef Mixture: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 2 pounds of ground beef with 1/2 cup chopped white onion. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until beef is fully browned and cooked through.
Assemble the Base Layer: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the bottom of the dish.
Add Pickles and Sauce: Sprinkle 1/2 cup diced pickles evenly over the beef layer. Drizzle 3/4 of the prepared Big Mac sauce evenly over the pickles and beef, reserving the remaining sauce for topping later.
Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire casserole surface.
Top with Tater Tots and Bake: Arrange 32 oz of tater tots evenly on top of the cheese layer. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots turn golden and crispy.
Garnish and Serve: Remove casserole from oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup diced onions, remaining diced pickles, shredded lettuce, and drizzle the remaining Big Mac sauce evenly over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh shredded lettuce for a crunchy topping.
Adjust seasoning and sauce ingredients to taste for preferred tanginess or sweetness.
Tater tots can be swapped with frozen hash browns for a different texture.
For added zest, consider mixing chopped pickles directly into the beef mixture.
Allow the casserole to rest after baking for easier slicing and serving.