Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

This Big Mac Casserole Recipe is one of my family’s favorite ground beef casserole. The ground beef mixture is layered in a baking dish and topped with melty cheese and a single layer of tots.

Casserole Recipes make for an easy dinner idea. You may also love John Wayne Casserole Recipe, Hashbrown Casserole and Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. If you love the taste of big mac sauce, make this Big Mac Wrap or Big Mac Pizza.

Why We Love This Casserole

Our favorite part of this casserole is the mixture of the copycat big mac sauce. This special sauce adds so much flavor to the hamburger and is made with simple ingredients.

You can easily top this casserole with your favorite burger toppings. Then add a side of French fries for a complete meal idea. My kids request this casserole weekly and I can see why. This is an easy dinner recipe.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef – We like using lean ground beef for less grease. But if you use 80/20 ground beef, drain excess grease
• Big Mac Sauce – You can also use thousand island dressing
• Onion – Chop onion with a vegetable chopper. Feel free to chop onion ahead of time and learn How to Freeze Chopped Onions. You can use yellow onion or white onion.
• Diced Dill Pickles – Substitute with dill relish
• Garlic Powder – If you are out, see The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
• American Cheese – Adds a creamy texture to the beef mixture
• Frozen Tater Tots – There is no need to thaw the tater tots before baking
• Iceberg Lettuce and Tomatoes – Optional toppings

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Shredded Cheese – We used slice American cheese in this recipe, but you can use any type of cheese. We recommend cheddar cheese, triple cheddar cheese blend, or pepper jack cheese.
• Big Mac Sauce – We love making Homemade Big Mac Sauce for this recipe. But you can also use thousand island dressing mayo for a great substitute.
• Change the Meat – You can make this recipe with ground turkey or ground chicken. We have even done half turkey and ground beef for a delicious substitute.
• Chopped Bacon – Bacon can easily be stir into the beef mixture for added flavor. Everything taste better with bacon.
• Tater Tot Substitute – You can easily substitute tater tots with shredded hashbrowns, frozen french fries, or diced potatoes. You may need to adjust cooking time if your potatoes are thawed.

How to Make Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

• Step 1 – Heat Oven – Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2 – Brown Ground Beef – In a large skillet, cook 2 lbs of beef and onion over medium heat. Cook until browned and onions are translucent.

Step 3 – Add in Ingredients – Add the Big Mac Sauce, American cheese, and ¼ cup dill pickles. Then add in garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper to the skillet and mix well.

Step 4 – Spoon Mixture – Spoon the beef mixture into a 9×13 Casserole dish.

Step 5 – Ready to Bake – Then line up the 32 oz of tater tots on top of the beef in a single layer. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. Bake until you have crispy tater tots.

• Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy – Sprinkle with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and more big mac sauce if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Cooking Ground Beef – Before layering the ground beef mixture in make sure to cook the ground beef completely. Make sure to drain excess grease before mixing in the sauce and seasoning.
• Baking Casserole – Bake the big mac tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Baking Dish – We baked this casserole in a 9×13 baking dish, but you can also bake in two 8×8 baking pans.

How to Make Big Mac Sauce

If you are looking for an easy sauce to add to burgers, chicken and more, make this big mac sauce.

Big Mac Sauce Recipe is one of my favorite recipes to keep stocked in the fridge. My kids love it for a dipping sauce and it is even better as a burger sauce.

These simple ingredients is all you need to make this delicious sauce. We have even added in a tablespoon of ketchup for even more flavor.

• 1 Cup Mayo
• ¼ Cup French Dressing
• Sweet Pickle Relish
• White Wine Vinegar – You can also use white vinegar
• Paprika
• ½ tbsp Garlic Powder
• ½ tbsp Onion Powder