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