Big Mac Casserole Recipe

Quick & Zesty Big Mac Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Crafting a big mac casserole brings burger-inspired comfort right to your dinner table.

My kitchen adventure started with classic McDonald’s flavors reimagined as a hearty baked dish.

Layers of ground beef, melted cheese, and special sauce create an unexpected culinary twist.

Crisp pickles and soft bread crumbs add delightful texture to each forkful.

Classic burger ingredients mingle in a casserole that feels both familiar and exciting.

Nostalgia meets innovation with this crowd-pleasing meal that sparks conversation and satisfies serious cravings.

Dig in and experience a playful take on fast food that feels like a home-cooked masterpiece.

What Goes Into Big Mac Casserole Recipe

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides the hearty foundation of the Big Mac flavor profile.
  • Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef and adds a subtle richness to the meat.
Vegetable Blend:
  • Onions, Potatoes: Provide texture, bulk, and a comforting base for the casserole.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Add depth and classic burger-style seasoning to the dish.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Yellow Mustard, Water: Creates a tangy sauce that mimics the signature Big Mac flavor.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy melted topping that completes the casserole's comfort food appeal.

How To Make Big Mac Casserole At Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 375F (190C) and get ready for a mouthwatering adventure.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Grab a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in ground beef and break it apart while cooking until it turns a beautiful golden brown. Drain away any extra fat.

Step 3: Sauté Delicious Veggies

In the same skillet, add:
  • Chopped onions
  • Chopped potatoes

Cook the onions for 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Then add potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until they start getting tender.

Step 4: Boost The Flavor

Stir in these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Yellow mustard
  • Water

Let everything simmer and mingle together for 3-4 minutes so the flavors can dance.

Step 5: Create The Casserole Base

Pour the beef and potato mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top, creating a delicious cheesy layer.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then dig in and savor every delicious bite of this Big Mac-inspired comfort food.

Tips For Best Results With Big Mac Casserole

  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a crisp texture.
  • Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist and added vitamin boost.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack for enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Cut cooking time by pre-chopping ingredients and measuring seasonings before starting the recipe.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, reheating in the oven to maintain crispy edges.

Tasty Twists On Big Mac Casserole Recipe

  • Cheeseburger Skillet: Transform the casserole into a one-pan meal by preparing everything in a large cast-iron skillet, skipping the baking step and serving directly from the pan.
  • Spicy Big Mac Bake: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, and pepper jack cheese to give the casserole a fiery kick that mimics burger restaurant heat.
  • Low-Carb Mac Attack: Replace potatoes with cauliflower rice or zucchini chunks for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version that keeps the burger flavor profile intact.
  • Bacon Cheeseburger Remix: Incorporate crispy bacon bits into the beef mixture and sprinkle extra bacon on top before baking for a smoky, protein-packed variation.

Great Pairings With Big Mac Casserole Dinner

  • Savor Burger-Inspired Side Dishes: Crisp, tangy dill pickles complement the casserole's rich flavors, adding a zesty crunch that echoes the Big Mac's classic garnish.
  • Pair with Refreshing Beverages: Ice-cold cola or root beer perfectly balance the hearty, cheesy casserole, mimicking the traditional fast-food meal experience.
  • Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Lighter mixed green salad with thousand island dressing cuts through the dish's richness, providing a balanced and fresh counterpoint to the dense casserole.
  • Enhance with Quick Condiment: Drizzle extra special sauce over individual servings, bringing authentic Big Mac taste and adding a creamy, tangy finish to each bite.

How To Store Big Mac Casserole For Later

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
  • Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

FAQs For Big Mac Casserole Recipe

  • Is this casserole healthier than a traditional Big Mac?

The casserole uses lean ground beef and includes potatoes, offering more nutrients compared to the fast-food burger. However, it’s still a hearty dish with cheese and beef.

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for beef. Each meat will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the casserole.

  • How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

Dice the potatoes into uniform, small cubes and don’t overcook them during the initial skillet stage. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from turning soggy during baking.

  • What makes this casserole similar to a Big Mac?

The recipe incorporates classic Big Mac flavors like yellow mustard and ground beef, transforming the burger’s taste into a comforting casserole format.

Why Big Mac Casserole Is A Fun Weeknight Favorite

  • Reinvent Classic Comfort: Transform the beloved Big Mac into a hearty casserole that brings restaurant-style excitement to your home dinner table.
  • Speed Up Meal Prep: Simplify cooking by combining all the iconic burger flavors into one dish, cutting down on individual ingredient handling and cleanup.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults with familiar, crowd-pleasing ingredients and cheesy goodness.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding extra toppings like pickles, extra cheese, or special sauce to match individual taste preferences.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Big Mac Casserole Recipe

Big Mac Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-44 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort food reaches new heights with Big Mac Casserole, merging classic burger flavors into a hearty baked dish. Layers of ground beef, special sauce, and melted cheese create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

  • 3 medium russet potatoes, chopped
  • 1 small white onion, chopped

Seasonings and Dairy:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a consistent temperature for optimal cooking.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces and draining any excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onions to the same skillet, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Incorporate chopped potatoes into the skillet, cooking until they begin to soften and develop a slight golden edge, about 5-6 minutes.
  5. Introduce garlic powder, onion powder, yellow mustard, and water to the meat and potato mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  6. Transfer the seasoned mixture into a prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that ensures consistent flavor distribution.
  7. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, covering the entire surface for a melty, golden finish.
  8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the cheese becomes golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp at the edges.
  9. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, helping the ingredients settle and making serving easier.

Notes

  • Customize meat selection by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier alternative that maintains similar flavor profiles.
  • Enhance potato texture by partially pre-roasting cubed potatoes before mixing with beef to create a crispier casserole experience.
  • Boost nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or spinach during the potato cooking stage for extra vegetables and color complexity.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium cheese and reducing added salt, making this recipe more heart-friendly and diet-conscious.
  • Prep Time: 15-19 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star