This Big Mac tater tot casserole is a fun twist on a classic burger! It layers tasty beef, cheese, and special sauce, all topped with crispy tater tots. What’s not to love?
I like to serve it with extra pickles on the side. Who doesn’t love a little crunch? It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Enjoy! 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots give this casserole its comforting crunch. You can swap them for hash browns if that’s what you have on hand, but know that the texture will be different.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is perfect for this dish. For a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken. They blend well with the flavors!
Cheddar Cheese: Traditional cheddar adds that classic flavor. If you want something different, try a Mexican blend or pepper jack for a little heat.
Pickles: Dill pickles are a must for that Big Mac taste. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them or use sweet pickles for a twist. Relish works too!
Big Mac Sauce Ingredients: The sauce is key! If you’re short on ingredients, plain mayonnaise and ketchup can still give you a tasty result, just not quite as special.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheese Melts Perfectly?
Getting that smooth, gooey cheese layer can really elevate your casserole. Here’s how:
- After baking the tater tots, reduce the oven temperature to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Layer cheese in the middle and on top of the casserole. This ensures it melts well with the beef.
- Bake the casserole until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden, about 15 minutes. Keeping an eye on it helps!
Remember, you can always add a bit of milk to the cheese sauce if you want it creamier! Enjoy your cooking!
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup pickles, chopped (plus extra for topping)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 25-30 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 45 minutes for baking. You’ll spend a little time cooking the beef and mixing the sauce, then let the oven do the work for a tasty meal everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Tater Tots:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them according to the package instructions until they’re crispy, which usually takes about 25-30 minutes.
2. Cook the Meat:
While the tater tots are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the pan. Cook everything together until the beef is nicely browned and the onion becomes soft, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Make the Big Mac Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder. This will be your tasty “Big Mac” sauce, so stir it well to combine all the flavors.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
When the tater tots are nice and crispy, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Grab a casserole dish and spread half of the crispy tater tots to form the bottom layer. Next, top these with the cooked ground beef and onion mixture.
Sprinkle some chopped pickles over the meat, then add half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Drizzle a hearty amount of the Big Mac sauce over this layer.
5. Layer and Bake:
Add the remaining tater tots on top, followed by the rest of the cheddar cheese. Now, place the entire casserole back in the oven. Bake it for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling beautifully.
6. Final Touches:
Once you take the casserole out, garnish it with sliced green onions and jalapeños if you like a bit of extra spice. Don’t forget to drizzle some extra Big Mac sauce on top—it’s the cherry on top of this delicious dish!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole warm. It’s fantastic on its own but goes well with extra pickles or your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy this comforting meal that brings all those Big Mac flavors to your table!
Can I Use Frozen Tater Tots Instead of Fresh Potatoes?
Absolutely! Frozen tater tots are perfect for this recipe as they provide a convenient and crispy base. Just bake them according to the package directions before assembling the casserole.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, ground turkey or chicken works well in this dish. You can also use a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven until warmed through, or microwave portions until hot.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.
