Irresistible Big Mac Casserole: A Copycat Recipe That Tastes Just Like McDonald’s!
Craving the iconic taste of a McDonald’s Big Mac but want a hearty, homemade meal the whole family will love? Look no further! This spectacular Big Mac Casserole brings all those beloved flavors – savory hamburger meat, crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and that unmistakable special sauce – into a comforting, easy-to-make dish. It’s the ultimate copycat recipe transformed into a convenient casserole, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Prepare to be amazed by how closely this casserole replicates the classic burger experience, without the drive-thru!
This Big Mac Casserole is a game-changer for your dinner rotation. It’s packed with classic, satisfying flavors and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it an incredibly easy and convenient meal for any evening. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the golden arches or simply seeking a fun, flavorful twist on traditional casseroles, this recipe delivers big on taste and simplicity.
Jump to: Why You’ll Love This | Ingredients | Instructions | Variations | Equipment | Storage | FAQs | Full Recipe Card
What Makes This Big Mac Casserole Unforgettably Delicious?
- Lightning-Fast Preparation: Say goodbye to lengthy cooking sessions! This casserole comes together in less than 30 minutes of active prep and bake time, making it an absolute lifesaver for those hectic weeknights when you need a hearty meal on the table fast.
- Authentic McDonald’s Flavor: If you’re a true connoisseur of McDonald’s iconic Big Mac, then this casserole is tailor-made for you. We’ve meticulously crafted the flavors to mirror the famous burger, ensuring every bite is a nostalgic journey back to your favorite fast-food treat. The special sauce truly seals the deal!
- A Crowd-Pleasing Family Meal: This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that the entire family will eagerly anticipate. Its familiar, comforting flavors appeal to all ages, guaranteeing empty plates and happy smiles around the dinner table. It’s a great way to introduce a fun, unique dish that everyone will adore.
- Budget-Friendly & Filling: Made with readily available and affordable ingredients like ground beef and hash browns, this casserole is an economical choice that doesn’t compromise on satisfaction. It’s incredibly filling, providing a complete meal that will keep hunger at bay.
- Customizable to Your Liking: While designed to taste like a Big Mac, this casserole is also wonderfully versatile. Easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite burger toppings to make it uniquely yours. It’s a creative canvas for your culinary imagination!
Essential Groceries: Ingredients for Your Big Mac Casserole
To recreate the magic of a Big Mac in casserole form, you’ll need a selection of classic burger ingredients, elevated for comfort food perfection. Each component plays a vital role in building those familiar, mouth-watering flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. For precise quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post, where you’ll find everything you need to start cooking!
Main Casserole Ingredients:
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the hash browns and browning the beef.
- Southern Style Hash Browns: These form a deliciously crispy and satisfying base for the casserole, replacing the burger bun and adding a lovely texture.
- Ground Beef: The heart of any Big Mac. Choose a lean-to-fat ratio that suits your preference, as the fat will render down to create a juicy, flavorful base.
- White Onion: Finely chopped, these provide a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the ground beef mixture, echoing the finely diced onions on a Big Mac.
- Yellow Mustard: A key ingredient in the burger patties, it adds a tangy, sharp note that cuts through the richness of the beef.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples amplify the savory flavors of the beef, ensuring a robust and well-seasoned foundation.
- Grated Cheddar Cheese: What’s a casserole without melty cheese? It brings a creamy, savory layer that binds all the elements together.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
The Famous Big Mac Sauce Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise & Ketchup: The creamy and tangy base of the sauce.
- Dill Pickles (diced fine) & Dill Pickle Juice: These are absolutely critical for achieving that signature zesty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile of the real Big Mac special sauce. Don’t skip these!
Big Mac Casserole Toppings:
- Roma Tomato (chopped): Adds a fresh, juicy element and a pop of color.
- White Onions (chopped): A fresh sprinkle of raw onion offers a pleasant bite and pungency, just like a classic burger.
- Dill Pickle Slices: Essential for garnish, delivering that satisfying crunch and tartness.
- Shredded Lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
Recipe Walkthrough: Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Big Mac Casserole
Creating this Big Mac Casserole is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency without sacrificing flavor. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly layered and incredibly tasty dish. For even more precise measurements and a printable version, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of this article.
Chef’s Hint: To enhance the cheesiness and add a touch more moisture to your casserole, consider mixing about half of the grated cheddar cheese directly into the seasoned ground beef mixture before spreading it into the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for a beautiful, melty crust. This ensures a more integrated cheesy flavor throughout the dish.
Recipe Variations & Creative Substitute Ideas for Your Big Mac Casserole
One of the best things about casseroles is their adaptability! While this recipe aims for an authentic Big Mac flavor, don’t hesitate to get creative with these variations and substitutions to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – For an extra layer of authenticity, sprinkle a handful of toasted sesame seeds over the top of the casserole (after saucing, before adding fresh toppings). This mimics the Big Mac bun and adds a delightful nutty crunch.
- Ready-Made Thousand Island Dressing – If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler approach, you can absolutely use a good quality Thousand Island dressing as a substitute for making the Big Mac Sauce from scratch. Many store-bought versions offer a very similar flavor profile.
- Worcestershire Sauce for Umami Boost – Add a dash (about 1 teaspoon) of Worcestershire sauce to the ground meat while it’s cooking. This will impart a rich, savory umami flavor that deepens the beefy taste.
- Crispy Tater Tots Instead of Hash Browns – For a fun alternative texture, swap the Southern-style hash browns for frozen tater tots. Cook them until extra crispy according to package directions before adding them to the baking dish. This creates a “Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole” that’s incredibly popular!
- Yellow Onions for Milder Flavor – While white onions are specified, feel free to use yellow onions instead. They offer a slightly sweeter, milder flavor when cooked, which can be a pleasant variation.
- Cream Cheese for Creaminess – Stir 2-3 tablespoons of softened cream cheese into the cooked ground beef mixture (after draining the fluid). This will add an extra layer of richness and creamy texture to the meat layer.
- French Dressing as a Sauce Alternative – In a pinch, a good tangy French dressing can also work as a quick substitute for the homemade Big Mac sauce. Look for one with a creamy, slightly sweet, and zesty profile.
- Dill Pickle Relish for Convenience – If you don’t have whole dill pickles or prefer a finer texture, dill pickle relish works perfectly in the Big Mac sauce. Just ensure it’s a sweet and tangy relish, not overly sweet.
- White Vinegar for Pickle Juice – No pickle juice? No problem! A small amount (about ½ to 1 teaspoon) of white vinegar can provide the necessary tang and acidity for the Big Mac sauce. Adjust to your taste.
- Ground Chicken or Turkey for a Lighter Option – To make this casserole a little lighter, substitute ground chicken or ground turkey for the ground beef. Season it well, as poultry can be milder in flavor.
- French Fries for a Different Potato Base – For a truly unique “Big Mac & Fries” experience, consider using crispy cooked French fries as the base instead of hash browns. Ensure they are well-cooked and somewhat crisp before adding the meat layer.
- Seasoning Salt for Enhanced Flavor – Replace the standard salt and pepper with a good quality seasoning salt. This often includes a blend of various spices that can add more complexity to the beef mixture.
- A Touch of Heavy Cream – For an even richer ground beef mixture, stir in a splash (about ¼ cup) of heavy cream after draining the beef and before adding the cheese. This makes the meat incredibly tender and luxurious.
- Add Bacon Bits: For a bacon cheeseburger twist, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits into the beef mixture or on top as a garnish.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef as it cooks, or a few dashes of hot sauce to your Big Mac sauce.
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Necessary Gear: Equipment for Your Casserole Adventure
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You don’t need a professional kitchen to make this incredible Big Mac Casserole. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity, requiring just a few common kitchen tools:
- Large Skillet: Essential for browning the hash browns and ground beef. A 10-inch or 12-inch non-stick skillet works perfectly for even cooking and easy cleanup.
- 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: This standard size is ideal for baking and serving a family-sized portion of the casserole. Glass, ceramic, or enameled cast iron dishes all work well.
- Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the ingredients for the irresistible Big Mac special sauce.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring, breaking up meat, and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
- Aluminum Foil: For covering the casserole during baking.
Having these basic pieces of equipment ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable. We’ve included some affiliate links to quality products in the recipe card below for your convenience, should you need to upgrade or acquire any of these items.
More Comforting Casserole Recipes We Think You’ll Love
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and satisfaction of this Big Mac Casserole, you’re in for a treat! Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying delicious leftovers. Explore some of our other favorite hearty and flavorful casserole recipes:
- John Wayne Casserole
- Old Fashioned Hamburger Potato Casserole
- Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole
- Crockpot Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
- Hobo Casserole
- Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
- Jalapeno Popper Tater Tot Casserole
- Hearty Beef Pot Pie
If you’re a fan of McDonald’s copycat recipes, you’ll also be delighted to know we have a fantastic McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce recipe that tastes just like the real deal! And to wash down all these delicious meals, why not pair them with a refreshing glass of classic Southern Sweet Tea?
How to Store Leftovers and Enjoy Later
This Big Mac Casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying a second serving. Proper storage ensures its freshness and flavor:
Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes for a quick and easy lunch or dinner later in the week.
Freezing: This casserole freezes exceptionally well! If you plan to freeze it, do so *without* the fresh toppings (lettuce, raw onion, tomato, pickle slices), as these will not freeze and thaw well. Once the cooked casserole has cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Mel’s Kitchen Notes & Expert Tips
Reheating Your Big Mac Casserole: When reheating leftovers, remember to remove any fresh toppings (like lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles) first, as they will wilt and become unpleasant when heated. The best way to reheat this casserole is in the microwave, using short bursts of heat, to prevent it from drying out. Once thoroughly warmed, add fresh toppings back for that delightful crunch and burst of flavor. This ensures your reheated casserole is just as good as the first time!
Achieving Crispy Hash Browns: Don’t overcrowd your skillet when cooking the hash browns. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they get that beautiful golden-brown, crispy texture that is so crucial for the casserole’s base. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than frying. Use enough olive oil to coat the pan, and resist the urge to stir them too often – let them develop a crust.
Perfectly Drained Ground Beef: After browning your ground beef and onions, it’s really important to drain off any excess fat. A greasy casserole can be unappetizing. You can use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat, or carefully tilt the pan and spoon out the fat. This step ensures your casserole is rich in flavor, not just fat.
About The Author
Melanie Cagle
Melanie is a passionate professional cook, talented food photographer, and a true Cajun food connoisseur. Since 2020, she has been dedicated to sharing rigorously tested, delicious recipes and helpful cooking tutorials right here on this blog.
Her culinary expertise and engaging work have been recognized and featured on prominent platforms including Fox News channels, Yahoo News, Southern Living, and many more, making her a trusted voice in the culinary world.
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs About Big Mac Casserole
No, as written with the addition of hash browns, this recipe is not Keto-friendly. However, it can easily be adapted! To make it a Keto Big Mac Casserole, simply exclude the hash browns. You can replace them with a layer of cauliflower rice, roasted diced cauliflower, or even a base of cooked, shredded cabbage to maintain a similar texture without the carbs.
Absolutely! You can prepare the hash brown base and the seasoned ground beef mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, combine them in the casserole dish, add cheese, and proceed with baking. Prepare the Big Mac sauce just before serving for the freshest taste.
We recommend using ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. This provides ample flavor and moisture, ensuring the casserole isn’t dry. Just be sure to drain any excess grease after browning to prevent the dish from becoming overly oily.
No problem! If you don’t have fresh dill pickles, you can use a good quality dill pickle relish. Just ensure it’s not a sweet relish, as that will alter the classic Big Mac sauce flavor. If you’re missing pickle juice, a small amount of white vinegar can be used to add acidity, starting with ½ teaspoon and adjusting to taste.
While the traditional Big Mac flavors rely on simple ingredients, you can certainly add other vegetables if you wish. Diced bell peppers or mushrooms could be sautéed with the onions and ground beef for added nutrients and flavor. Just be mindful not to stray too far from the “Big Mac” profile if that’s what you’re aiming for!
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Big Mac Casserole
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American, Copycat Recipes
Melanie Cagle
Video
Watch how to make this delicious Big Mac Casserole!
Equipment
- Glass Mixing Bowls
- Large 12″ Skillet
- 13 Inch Enameled Cast Iron Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 1 Pound Southern Style Hash Browns
- 2 Pounds Ground Beef
- ½ Each White Onion chopped
- 2 teaspoons Yellow Mustard
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Cup Grated Cheddar Cheese
- Salt and Pepper to taste
For the Big Mac Sauce
- ¼ Cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ Cup Ketchup
- ¼ Cup Dill Pickles diced fine
- 1 Tablespoon Dill Pickle Juice
For the Big Mac Casserole Toppings
- 1 Each Roma Tomato chopped
- ¼ Cup White Onions chopped
- 12 Each Dill Pickle Slices
- 1 Cup Shredded Lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Add the 2 teaspoons Olive Oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the 1 Pound Southern Style Hash Browns and fry for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden brown. Transfer the hash browns to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Using the same skillet, add the 2 Pounds Ground Beef and ½ Each chopped White Onion. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fluid from the skillet.
- Add the 2 teaspoons Yellow Mustard, ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder, and ½ teaspoon Onion Powder to the cooked ground beef. Season with Salt and Pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to combine all the seasonings.
- Empty the seasoned ground beef mixture into the casserole dish with the hash browns and mix them together evenly. Spread the mixture out to form a uniform layer.
- Top generously with the 1 Cup Grated Cheddar Cheese. If desired, you can mix half of the cheese into the meat mixture before sprinkling the rest on top. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
- While the casserole is baking, prepare the Big Mac Sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the ¼ Cup Mayonnaise, ¼ Cup Ketchup, ¼ Cup finely diced Dill Pickles, and 1 Tablespoon Dill Pickle Juice. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven and carefully remove the aluminum foil. Evenly drizzle and spread the prepared Big Mac sauce all over the top of the hot casserole.
- Finish off your Big Mac Casserole by generously topping it with the fresh 1 Cup Shredded Lettuce, ¼ Cup chopped White Onions, 12 Each Dill Pickle Slices, and 1 Each chopped Roma Tomato.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your homemade Big Mac Casserole!
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Nutrition Information
Calories: 597kcal |
Carbohydrates: 22g |
Protein: 36g |
Fat: 40g |
Saturated Fat: 12g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 24g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 118mg |
Sodium: 858mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 3g
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Original Publish Date: March 07, 2023.