BIG MAC TATER TOT CASSEROLE
This fun, crowd-pleasing casserole combines juicy seasoned beef, creamy “special sauce,” melty cheddar cheese, crispy tater tots, and fresh toppings — just like a Big Mac, but baked and shareable!
Ingredients
Beef Layer
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp onion powder
1½ tsp smoked paprika
Big Mac–Style Sauce
1¼ cups Thousand Island dressing
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons mustard
Toppings
2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 package frozen tater tots (about 32 oz / 900 g)
Fresh Finish (added after baking)
1½ cups shredded iceberg lettuce
¾ cup dill pickles, chopped
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Equipment Needed
Large skillet
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula
Aluminum foil
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
Season with:
Salt
Black pepper
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Stir well and remove from heat.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
Thousand Island dressing
Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Mustard
Mix until smooth and creamy.
4️⃣ Assemble the Base
Spread the cooked beef evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Spoon ¾ of the sauce over the beef and gently mix to coat evenly.
5️⃣ Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
6️⃣ Top with Tater Tots
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
7️⃣ Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 20–25 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
8️⃣ Finish Big Mac Style
Remove casserole from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
Top with:
Shredded lettuce
Chopped dill pickles
Drizzle remaining sauce
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top
9️⃣ Serve
Scoop into generous portions and enjoy that classic Big Mac flavor in casserole form!
Time & Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
Servings: 8–10
Calories: ~520–580 per serving (approximate)
Tips & Variations
Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella or American cheese slices
Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef
Healthier Swap: Use ground turkey or beef mince with lower fat
Crunchier Tots: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely)
No Lettuce Fans: Serve lettuce on the side instead
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture
Avoid microwaving lettuce — add it fresh after reheating
