The BEST Big Mac Casserole
Introduction
If you love the iconic flavors of a Big Mac, you’re going to be thrilled with this Big Mac Casserole! This hearty, flavor-packed dish delivers all the classic tastes—savory ground beef, gooey cheese, tangy pickles, and a creamy “special sauce”—in a one-pan, family-friendly bake. The recipe is perfect when you want a satisfying crowd-pleaser that’s quicker and easier than hitting the drive-thru.
Why This Big Mac Casserole is a Crowd Pleaser
What makes this casserole stand out is the crave-worthy combination of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and an irresistible homemade Big Mac sauce layered over crisp pickles and topped with fresh lettuce and tomatoes. The textures and flavors meld together for a dinner that’s every bit as comforting as a classic burger, but without the fuss of grilling patties or assembling sandwiches.
Perfecting the Special Sauce Layer
A homemade “special sauce” makes all the difference here! You only need mayonnaise, ketchup, a touch of mustard, pickle juice, and a little onion powder. Spread this sauce over your casserole before baking and reserve a little for drizzling on top in the end—it’s what transforms this dish from a basic casserole to the ultimate Big Mac experience.
Assembling The BEST Big Mac Casserole
Start by browning your ground beef with onions, adding seasonings to mimic that classic burger flavor. Layer it in a casserole dish with shredded cheese, pickles, and that rich sauce, then bake until bubbling hot and golden. Just before serving, scatter fresh shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes on top for a burst of freshness and crunch, just like the real deal.
Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Big Mac Casserole
Serve this casserole with oven-baked fries or a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal. For extra indulgence, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving to evoke the burger bun experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings—this dish is sure to disappear fast!
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe makes about 6 generous servings. Each portion is packed with protein and satisfying flavor, typically clocking in around 450–550 calories depending on your cheese and sauce amounts. Enjoy as an occasional treat for the ultimate comfort food fix!
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess fat as needed.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder to make the special sauce.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish. Top with chopped pickles and half of the shredded cheese.
- Drizzle most of the special sauce over the cheese and beef layer (reserve a few spoonfuls for serving).
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Remove from the oven. Let cool for 5 minutes. Just before serving, top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and optional sesame seeds. Drizzle reserved special sauce over the top.
Weekly Meal Planning
This Big Mac Casserole is a fantastic addition to your meal rotation—it reheats well for lunches or busy nights! Save and schedule this recipe to generate smart shopping lists and plan exactly when you’ll enjoy this comfort classic.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all planned recipes
- Organizes ingredients by grocery store section for quick, easy shopping
- Minimizes food waste and avoids forgotten items
- Makes meal prep and busy weeknight dinners a breeze!
Pro tip: When planning your week, schedule recipes together to optimize ingredient use—for example, plan salads or burgers to use up any extra lettuce or tomatoes!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Enjoy The BEST Big Mac Casserole—a guaranteed hit with both burger lovers and casserole fans alike!
