Use What You Have
Big Mac Casserole Recipe
This savory and satisfying dish layers crispy hash browns, seasoned beef, melty cheese, and tangy sauce for a perfect comfort meal. Ready in under an hour, it's a delicious crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 frozen hash brown patties
- 1 onion
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, divided
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/4 lb ground beef sirloin
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated, divided
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup hamburger dill pickle slices, roughly chopped
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Arrange the hash brown patties in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Bake the hash browns for about 25 minutes or until they are golden and crispy on the bottom.
Step 3: While the hash browns are baking, finely grate or mince 2 tablespoons of onion and set it aside with its juices. Dice the remaining onion and set aside.
Step 4: In a bowl, combine the grated onion with the mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, mustard, paprika, and onion powder. Mix well and set aside.
Step 5: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 3 minutes without stirring. Then, break up the meat using a spoon and cook until browned and mostly cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Season the beef with the remaining salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and diced onions. Continue cooking for 1 more minute.
Step 7: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 2/3 cup of the prepared sauce mixture and 1 1/3 cups of grated cheese. Set aside.
Step 8: Once the hash browns are done baking, flip the patties so the crispy side is on top. Pour the beef mixture evenly over the hash browns and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese. Top with sesame seeds.
Step 9: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and let the dish stand for 5 minutes. Top with shredded lettuce and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Finish by adding chopped pickles on top.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 569 |
| Total Fat | 44g (57% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 12g (62% DV) |
| Cholesterol | 103mg (34% DV) |
| Sodium | 813mg (35% DV) |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15g (5% DV) |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g (7% DV) |
| Total Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 28g (57% DV) |
| Vitamin C | 4mg (4% DV) |
| Calcium | 240mg (18% DV) |
| Iron | 3mg (16% DV) |
| Potassium | 567mg (12% DV) |
Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.
The Story Behind Big Mac Casserole
The Big Mac Casserole is a modern culinary twist inspired by the iconic Big Mac, which was created in 1967 by Jim Delligatti, one of McDonald's early franchisees. Originally intended to compete with other double-decker burgers, the Big Mac quickly became a symbol of American fast food culture. The casserole adaptation emerged decades later, as home cooks sought a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of a Big Mac without visiting a fast-food restaurant. This dish preserves the signature elementsseasoned ground beef, tangy sauce, lettuce, pickles, and cheesewhile transforming it into a comforting baked meal.
Regional Variations
While the Big Mac itself is globally recognized, the casserole version has found particular popularity in the United States, especially in the Midwest and South. In these regions, casseroles are a staple of family dinners and potlucks. Local variations may include swapping hash brown patties with tater tots or seasoned fries, using different cheeses such as Colby or Monterey Jack, or adjusting the sauce for spicier or sweeter preferences. Some cooks even add vegetables like diced tomatoes or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition, highlighting the adaptability of the dish.
What Makes It Different
Unlike the traditional Big Mac, which is served as a sandwich with buns, the casserole transforms the flavors into a layered, oven-baked format. The crispy hash brown base acts as the bun, supporting a mixture of savory beef, cheese, and sauce. This makes the dish easier to portion and ideal for serving a group. Additionally, while a Big Mac is eaten quickly on the go, the casserole emphasizes a sit-down dining experience where the sauce and toppings meld together during baking, enhancing depth of flavor that the original burger cannot offer.
Where Its Typically Served
Big Mac Casserole is commonly served at family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. It fits well into settings where comfort food is appreciated, such as weekend meals or holiday brunches. Because it can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, it has also become a popular option for meal prep enthusiasts. Some restaurants and diners experimenting with nostalgic American dishes have even featured this casserole as a special menu item, drawing in customers seeking a creative take on a classic fast-food favorite.
Interesting Facts
- The Big Mac Casseroles signature sauce is remarkably similar to the original Big Mac sauce, containing mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, mustard, and onion powder.
- Many home cooks find that allowing the casserole to sit overnight in the fridge enhances the flavor, as the sauce seeps into the beef and hash browns.
- Some versions use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes to cater to dietary preferences while maintaining the iconic taste.
- The dish has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, inspiring countless variations and creative presentations.
- Sprinkling sesame seeds on top is a nod to the original burger bun, adding a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
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FAQ about Big Mac Casserole Recipe
Comments
Timothy White
12/17/2022 01:20:32 AM
We really enjoyed this casserole as a delightful departure from our regular recipes. The sauce was particularly impressive, and the flavors reminded me of a Big Mac. Overall, I would consider this dish a great success.
Thomas Edwards
08/22/2024 04:46:50 PM
I had my doubts about using hashbrowns as the base, fearing they might become soggy, but that wasn't an issue at all. I ended up cooking them for an additional 10 minutes beyond the recommended time, and they turned out perfectly crispy. The sauce, even with my substitution of low-fat mayonnaise, was absolutely delicious, and it truly captured the flavor of a Big Mac. My son, who had worked at McDonald's in his teens, confirmed the authenticity of the taste. Leftovers the following day were just as tasty, and I found the sauce even more flavorful after sitting in the fridge overnight. This recipe is a definite keeper; I will be making it again for sure.
Donna Baker
01/19/2024 01:57:31 PM
Absolutely loved the taste, reminiscent of a Big Mac! I doubled the sauce to ensure there was enough to serve on the side, allowing everyone to customize their drizzle. Excluded sesame seeds to accommodate elders with dentures. Skipped the teaspoons of salt for health reasons, and didn't feel like it was lacking at all. Opted for two pounds of burger for a heartier meal, which turned out to be just the right portion. This recipe is a definite remake in the future!
Ryan Campbell
03/13/2024 12:07:29 AM
Review Rewritten: I absolutely enjoyed making and eating this recipe. If you're a fan of tater tot casserole and Big Macs, this dish is a must-try! The sauce in this recipe is fantastic, and I even doubled it to drizzle generously over each serving and save some for leftovers. The only modification I made was using dried minced onion in the sauce instead of dealing with the tears from chopping a fresh onion. I prepared the sauce first to let the flavors meld while I preheated the oven and cooked the hash brown patties. One tip would be to bake the patties for an extra 5-7 minutes on each side in my oven and Pyrex dish. Despite that, the dish turned out exceptionally well! It's a delightful twist to my usual casserole repertoire. Thank you, Nicole!
Sarah Cruz
11/17/2022 05:28:08 PM
We made this recipe with sweet pickles instead of dill, as some suggest. Be sure to drain the grease, as many found it to be greasy. I recommend draining the beef after cooking.
Jonathan Mitchell
10/21/2022 02:32:10 AM
Here is the rewritten review: "I really enjoyed this recipe! It seems like those who were looking for more beef didn't follow the recipe properly. I used 1 1/2 pounds of beef and substituted with the hash browns I had on hand."
Sandra Robinson
08/30/2023 03:13:54 AM
Wow! The flavors blend harmoniously in this dish! I doubled the sauce portion as we wanted extra on top, and we threw in some raw onions as toppings, which took it to another level. Everyone went for seconds. Definitely making this again and recommending it to everyone.
Virginia Wright
01/26/2024 12:06:03 AM
I discovered this recipe on TikTok and shared it with my husband, who has been asking me to make it ever since. Finally, I made it tonight and he absolutely loved it. He even said it satisfied his craving for fast food! Thank you so much!! The only change I made was using ground chicken instead, along with honey mustard and butter bread pickles.
Diane Gonzalez
03/31/2024 09:21:04 PM
I halved the recipe and my husband said it was one of the best dishes I have ever cooked!
Jonathan Young
07/22/2023 07:04:47 PM
I followed the recipe, but only had 1 lb of ground beef and used less cheese (6 oz. low-fat). My husband absolutely loved it and said it's a dish worth keeping.
Timothy Phillips
10/23/2023 06:05:35 PM
This is one of the best macaroni and cheese recipes I have ever tried! I swapped out hash browns for seasoned curly fries and left the pickles whole. I will definitely be making this again.
Nathan Harris
12/12/2023 10:43:14 PM
This dish is not only delicious, but also very simple to prepare. I thoroughly enjoyed the flavor and how effortless it was to make.
Benjamin Lee
09/08/2022 06:21:30 PM
Super simple and incredibly delicious! Followed the recipe to a tee!
Rebecca Martin
06/03/2024 11:41:51 AM
I absolutely adore this product.
Robert Wright
11/05/2023 12:48:10 AM
Fantastic and simple recipe! Plus, the sauce is a must-have in the fridge!
Steven Wright
09/27/2023 09:40:42 AM
I tried this recipe for dinner tonight. It was intriguing, but I'm not sure if I'll make it again. However, my husband had two servings and enjoyed it!
Catherine Sanchez
12/17/2023 08:53:37 AM
The Big Mac Sauce was spot on. It was a very indulgent and satisfying meal. Next time, I might sauté the onions a bit longer for that extra flavor.
Gregory Williams
06/21/2023 05:22:18 PM
I was amazed at how closely it resembled the flavor of a Big Mac! It was a delightful twist for a regular weeknight meal. The sauce truly stole the spotlight for me - I have a feeling I'll be drizzling it over everything from now on.
Jacob Walker
03/09/2024 01:14:25 AM
I absolutely adored how they used hash brown patties as buns! The Big Mac Sauce was so delicious, I could have drunk it!
Dennis Evans
01/29/2025 03:29:11 AM
We absolutely adore this recipe. I enjoy the taste of a Big Mac, but find the actual sandwich too large and overly bread-heavy. This recipe solves that issue perfectly and is incredibly delicious! A big thank you for sharing this wonderful creation.
audio version
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