Hearty Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole for Weeknights (Print Version)
Craving a Big Mac? This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole brings all those classic flavors to your dinner table in a fun, easy, and satisfying bake.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Meat, Dairy, Gluten
# Ingredients:
→ Casserole Base
01 -
1.5 lbs lean ground beef (85/15)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
05 -
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
→ Big Mac Sauce Magic
06 -
1/2 cup mayonnaise
07 -
1/4 cup ketchup
08 -
2 tbsp yellow mustard
09 -
2 tbsp dill pickle relish
10 -
1 tsp white vinegar
11 -
1 tsp garlic powder
12 -
1 tsp onion powder
13 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
→ Toppings & Finish
14 -
2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
→ Flavor Boosters
15 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, first things first! Grab a large skillet and get that ground beef browning over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s mostly no longer pink, toss in your diced yellow onion. Let it cook down until it's softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can smell its amazing aroma. This is where the whole house starts to smell wonderful, honestly!
02 -
Now, this is an important step! Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Nobody wants a greasy casserole, right? Once that's done, add in your pickle relish, ketchup, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to the beef mixture. Stir it all together until everything is well combined and the beef is coated in that glorious, savory Big Mac-inspired sauce. Taste it! Adjust seasonings if you need to; maybe a pinch more salt or pepper. It should smell just like your favorite burger joint!
03 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread the saucy beef mixture evenly across the bottom. This is your foundation! Now, sprinkle about half of your shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. I always try to get an even layer because, well, cheese in every bite is the goal! It’s okay if it’s a little messy; that’s just part of the charm of home cooking.
04 -
Next up, arrange your frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese. Try to make it neat, but honestly, sometimes they just fall where they may, and that’s perfectly fine! The goal is to cover the entire surface, creating a delicious, crispy blanket. I sometimes get a little OCD trying to make them line up perfectly, but then I remember it's a casserole, and chaos is welcome here!
05 -
Pop that dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want those tots to start getting golden and crispy. When it comes out, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the partially cooked tots. The cheese will melt beautifully into the nooks and crannies, adding another layer of gooey goodness. This is where it really starts to look like a proper Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole!
06 -
Return the casserole to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the tater tots are deeply golden brown and crispy. If you want extra crispness, you can even switch to the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch it like a hawk so it doesn't burn! Once it’s out, let it sit for a few minutes, then sprinkle with sesame seeds if you're feeling fancy. It’s ready to impress!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skimp on toasting those tater tots a bit before adding them. It makes all the difference for that crispy top, honestly!
02 -
You can totally prep the ground beef mixture and the sauce a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble right before baking for a super quick dinner.
03 -
Tried using ground turkey once, and it was... okay. But for that true Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole feel, stick to good old ground beef. Trust me.
04 -
Serve this Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole with a simple side salad to cut through the richness. A little crunch balances everything out beautifully.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 650
Total Fat: 45g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 25g