Big Mac Casserole – Quick, Easy & Remarkably Delicious

Big Mac Casserole is comfort food at its finest—a warm, cheesy, savory bake that captures all the flavors of a McDonald’s Big Mac right from your kitchen. Picture juicy ground beef, crispy potatoes, and that irresistible Big Mac sauce baked together into one family-friendly meal.

This Big Mac Casserole recipe is the kind of dish that’ll have your family asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds). It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet seriously satisfying. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking to impress at a casual potluck, this dish brings a familiar fast-food flavor home in the best possible way. Big Mac Casserole is hearty, fun, and a guaranteed dinner win.

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What is Big Mac Casserole?

Big Mac Casserole takes everything you love about the famous burger—ground beef, cheese, pickles, and that signature sauce—and turns it into a cozy baked dish. Instead of buns, you’ll layer chopped russet potatoes that crisp up beautifully in the oven. Think of it as a Big Mac meets cheesy potato bake. It’s got all the familiar layers of flavor: savory beef, melty cheese, tangy pickles, and creamy sauce, but served bubbling hot from the oven.

The real magic lies in the homemade Big Mac sauce—simple to whip up with mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickles, yet so addictive you’ll want to drizzle it on everything. For families, this casserole is a total hit: it’s quick to prepare, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Add extra cheese, toss in veggies, or make it spicy—whatever suits your taste.

Reasons to Try Big Mac Casserole

If you’re craving that iconic burger flavor but don’t feel like running through the drive-thru, Big Mac Casserole is your new best friend. It’s quick, uses pantry staples, and can feed a hungry crew without much effort. It’s also one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent but doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down. Perfect for busy moms or anyone juggling dinner on a weeknight, this Big Mac Casserole recipe brings all the flavor with half the fuss.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a full meal. You can even meal prep it ahead—assemble, chill, and bake when you’re ready. For a fun twist, serve it with fresh lettuce and tomato on top—it adds a crisp contrast to the creamy, cheesy layers underneath. If you love hearty casseroles, you might also enjoy my Irish Potato Pie or Easy Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup for more comfort-style inspiration.

Ingredients Needed to Make Big Mac Casserole

1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb russet potatoes, chopped
1/2 white onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
1/4 cup water
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp yellow mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 vine tomato, chopped
handful chopped white onions
handful shredded iceberg lettuce
1/4 cup dill pickle chips

Instructions to Make Big Mac Casserole

Here’s your Step-by-Step Big Mac Casserole guide — simple, flavorful, and practically foolproof. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just trying to get dinner on the table before the kids start a snack raid, these steps will walk you through everything you need to know to make this cheesy, crave-worthy meal.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Potatoes

Let’s kick things off by setting your oven to 375°F — that’s the magic number for achieving the perfect balance between crispy potatoes and gooey melted cheese. While the oven preheats, wash and chop your russet potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes. The smaller the pieces, the faster they’ll cook and the more surface area for that irresistible crispiness.

Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your potatoes along with ¼ cup of water, and let them cook for 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender but still holding their shape. Avoid overcooking — you don’t want mashed potatoes here! Once they’re ready, transfer the potatoes to a greased baking dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.

Pro Tip: If you love crispy potatoes (and who doesn’t?), you can give them a quick toss in the oven for 5 minutes before adding the beef layer. For more potato-based comfort recipes, check out my Irish Potato Pie — it’s another family favorite with a creamy, hearty twist.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

In the same skillet (less cleanup—win!), add your 1 lb of lean ground beef and ½ chopped white onion. Cook over medium-high heat until the beef turns beautifully brown and the onions become soft and fragrant, about 6–8 minutes. As it cooks, season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper.

Stir everything together so the spices evenly coat the beef, infusing it with that unmistakable Big Mac flavor we all love. When your beef is done, drain any excess fat if needed (especially if you didn’t use lean beef), then spoon the mixture over your cooked potatoes in the baking dish. Smooth it into an even layer so every bite has a little bit of everything.

Step-by-Step Tip: For a lighter version, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. For more lean protein meal ideas, you might love this Crockpot Chicken Fajita Soup — equally comforting, but with a zesty twist.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Bake

Now comes the best part — the cheese. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of your casserole. This step not only adds that melt-in-your-mouth layer but also helps hold everything together as it bakes. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap the steam and help the cheese melt evenly.

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. During this time, your kitchen will start to smell like a fast-food dream — only better, because it’s homemade and wholesome. If you prefer a little golden crust, remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking and let the cheese bubble up to perfection.

Step-by-Step Tip: Want a creamier texture? Try mixing in a few slices of American cheese with the cheddar before baking. The result is meltier and ultra-rich.

Step 4: Make the Big Mac Sauce

While your casserole bakes, it’s time to make the star of the show — that signature Big Mac sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup ketchup, and ¼ cup chopped dill pickles. If you have pickle juice on hand, add a splash (about 1 teaspoon) for that classic tangy kick.

Whisk until smooth, then pop it in the fridge to chill while your casserole finishes baking. This quick cooling step thickens the sauce slightly and brings out the flavor contrast between the warm casserole and the cool, creamy topping.

If you’re all about sauce (who isn’t?), you’ll love experimenting with other homemade sauces too. Try pairing this technique with the dressing in my Delicious Creamy Tortellini Soup — it’s another creamy favorite that brings flavor to every bite.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish Like a Pro

When your casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This short wait helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Now, grab your chilled Big Mac sauce and drizzle it generously across the top of the casserole — the more, the better! Then, add your fresh toppings: shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped tomato, diced onion, and a few dill pickle chips for crunch. The fresh veggies add that perfect contrast to the warm, cheesy base, giving every bite that authentic “burger-meets-casserole” experience.

Cut into squares or scoop with a large spoon and serve immediately while it’s still hot and bubbly.

Step-by-Step Tip: Serve your Big Mac Casserole with a crisp salad or light soup for a balanced meal. My Creamy Dill Pickle Soup pairs beautifully — both share that pickle punch without being overpowering.

Step 6: Storing and Reheating (Bonus Step!)

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Let your casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can pop it back in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or heat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes until warm.

Step-by-Step Tip: Keep your toppings (like lettuce and tomato) separate until serving — that way, they stay fresh and crisp even after reheating. For more make-ahead meal inspiration, check out my Classic Crock-Pot Marry Me Chicken — another family-friendly dish that reheats beautifully.

What to Serve with Big Mac Casserole

Big Mac Casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs perfectly with light sides that balance its rich, cheesy flavor. Try it with a simple garden salad or a bowl of Creamy Dill Pickle Soup for a tangy complement. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables also make excellent partners, especially if you’re feeding a crowd. For a fun family dinner night, serve it with sweet potato fries or coleslaw and let everyone build their own “loaded plate” with extra toppings. And if you’re planning leftovers, it tastes just as good reheated for lunch the next day—if it lasts that long.

Key Tips for Making Big Mac Casserole

Use lean ground beef so your casserole doesn’t get greasy. Chop the potatoes evenly to help them cook at the same rate. Don’t skip the mustard—it adds that signature Big Mac tang! Chill the sauce for the best flavor contrast with the warm casserole. Want extra creaminess? Add a layer of American cheese slices between the beef and the cheddar topping. You can also swap russet potatoes for tater tots if you’re short on time or craving extra crispiness. Lastly, serve it fresh with cold lettuce and tomato right before eating; it keeps everything balanced and bright.

Storage and Reheating Tips Big Mac Casserole

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), store your Big Mac Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. If you’re meal prepping, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it—just bake when ready. Avoid adding the fresh toppings until after reheating to keep them crisp. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight before baking as usual. It’s a time-saver for those hectic weeknights when you want something comforting with zero stress.

FAQs

Can I make this Big Mac Casserole keto-friendly? Yes! Swap potatoes for cauliflower or turnip cubes for a low-carb version.
Can I use turkey instead of beef? Absolutely, ground turkey works great and lightens it up.
What’s the best cheese for this casserole? Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in American or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Is it kid-friendly? 100%! Even picky eaters love it—especially with the Big Mac sauce.

Final Thoughts

Big Mac Casserole is one of those easy weeknight dinners that checks every box—quick, hearty, nostalgic, and delicious. It’s comfort food with a twist and perfect for families who love a homemade spin on fast-food favorites. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this Big Mac Casserole recipe delivers that same Big Mac flavor everyone craves—without the drive-thru. It’s an easy win for busy cooks who want big flavor with minimal effort.

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