Transform the iconic flavors of McDonald’s Big Mac into a hearty, family-friendly casserole that brings all the beloved tastes to your dinner table. This Big Mac Casserole captures the essence of the classic burger in a convenient, one-dish format that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Big Mac Casserole delivers all the flavors you crave from the famous burger without the drive-through wait. The combination of seasoned ground beef, tangy pickles, and that signature special sauce creates a comfort food masterpiece that satisfies both kids and adults. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, uses simple pantry ingredients, and feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. Plus, you can prep it ahead of time, making it ideal for meal planning or entertaining. The casserole format means everyone gets a perfectly portioned serving with all the Big Mac flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup dill pickle chips, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
- 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
How to Make Big Mac Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add the diced onion and continue cooking until the onion is translucent and the beef is fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Season the Beef Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Create the Special Sauce Base In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, onion powder, and paprika until smooth and well combined. This creates the signature Big Mac flavor base for your casserole.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole Spread the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the chopped dill pickles over the beef, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the egg and sauce mixture evenly over the top, ensuring it reaches all corners of the dish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. The center should be firm when gently shaken.
Step 7: Add Fresh Lettuce Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Top with fresh shredded iceberg lettuce just before serving to maintain that crisp Big Mac texture.
Helpful Tips
Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for the best flavor and texture without being too greasy. Drain excess fat after browning to prevent a soggy casserole. For extra Big Mac authenticity, use yellow mustard rather than Dijon. Chop the pickles into small, uniform pieces so they distribute evenly throughout each serving. Don’t skip the resting time after baking, as this allows the casserole to set properly for cleaner slices. Add the lettuce only when ready to serve to maintain its fresh crunch. If you prefer a more intense pickle flavor, reserve some pickle juice and add a tablespoon to the egg mixture.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Difficulty: Easy
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Notes
This Big Mac Casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking. If baking from cold, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. For a lower-carb version, serve over cauliflower rice instead of adding any starch. The casserole will keep its shape better if you let it rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, though the flavor will be slightly different. Fresh lettuce is crucial for authenticity, so avoid pre-packaged salad mixes that may wilt quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Big Mac Casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add the lettuce only after baking and just before serving.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture will be slightly less rich. Avoid low-fat milk as it may cause the custard base to separate.
Can I freeze Big Mac Casserole? The cooked casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture may be slightly different after freezing.
How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is ready when the center is set and doesn’t jiggle when gently shaken. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
Can I add other Big Mac ingredients? Absolutely! Try adding diced tomatoes, sesame seeds on top, or even crumbled bacon for extra flavor variations while maintaining the Big Mac theme.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Big Mac Casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire dish covered in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Always add fresh lettuce after reheating for the best texture and taste. For best results, store the lettuce separately and add it to each serving as needed.
Conclusion
This Big Mac Casserole brings the nostalgic flavors of America’s favorite burger right to your family dinner table. With its perfect blend of seasoned ground beef, tangy pickles, melted cheese, and that signature special sauce, every bite delivers the satisfaction of a Big Mac in convenient casserole form. The recipe’s simplicity makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while its crowd-pleasing nature ensures it’s ideal for potlucks and family gatherings. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for a fun twist on classic comfort food, this Big Mac Casserole delivers familiar flavors that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a regular rotation in your meal planning.