Big mac casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of everyone’s favorite fast food burger with this hearty and delicious Big Mac Casserole. This creative twist on the classic Big Mac features layers of crispy hash brown patties, seasoned ground beef, tangy sauce, melted cheese, and all the classic toppings. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic favorite or looking for a fun and satisfying dinner option, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Reason to Try Big mac casserole
If you’re a fan of the iconic flavors of the Big Mac but prefer a homemade, comforting meal, this Big Mac Casserole is the perfect choice. It brings together all the elements of the beloved burger in a convenient and satisfying casserole format, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. With its crispy hash browns, savory beef, creamy sauce, and fresh toppings, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Summary of Ingredients
- Frozen Hash Brown Patties: Provide a crispy and satisfying base for the casserole.
- Onion: Adds flavor and texture to both the sauce and the ground beef mixture.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the tangy and creamy sauce that mimics the Big Mac’s special sauce.
- Sweet Pickle Relish, White Vinegar, Sugar, Mustard, Paprika, Onion Powder: Flavor the sauce with tangy, sweet, and savory notes.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking the ground beef.
- Ground Beef Sirloin: Provides protein and richness to the casserole.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, Worcestershire sauce add depth of flavor to the ground beef mixture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, adding richness and creaminess to the casserole.
- Sesame Seeds: Garnish the casserole, adding a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- Shredded Iceberg Lettuce: Adds freshness and crunch to the finished dish.
- Hamburger Dill Pickle Slices: Provide a tangy and crunchy topping that complements the other flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Big Mac Casserole hot from the oven, garnished with additional sesame seeds and chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with your favorite side dishes such as coleslaw, potato salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small bowls or ramekins for a creative presentation.
Storage Info
Store any leftover Big Mac Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving. Note that the hash brown patties may lose some of their crispiness upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Techniques or Tips
- Make sure to cook the hash brown patties until golden and crisp before assembling the casserole to ensure they hold up well in the dish.
- When cooking the ground beef, be sure to break it up into small pieces and cook until browned and cooked through for the best texture.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your preferences. You can add additional toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced onions, or crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.
Variation
For a lighter version of this casserole, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken in place of the ground beef. You can also use low-fat or Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a healthier sauce option. Additionally, you can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or jalapenos to the ground beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
FAQs about Big mac casserole
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of grating it myself? A: Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese if preferred. Just make sure to adjust the quantity as needed to achieve the desired cheesiness.
Cheesy Big Mac Casserole
Equipment
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
- - 8 frozen hash brown patties
- - 1 onion divided
- - 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange hash brown patties in a single layer at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bake the hash browns until golden and crisp on the bottom, about 25 minutes.
- While the hash browns bake, grate or finely mince 2 tablespoons of onion and set aside with any accumulated juices. Dice the remaining onion.
- In a bowl, combine grated onion, mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon salt, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, mustard, paprika, and onion powder. Mix well and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Crumble the meat with the back of a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and mostly cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Season the beef with remaining salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped onions. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in 2/3 cup of the sauce mixture and 1 1/3 cup grated cheese.
- Flip hash brown patties over. Pour the beef mixture over the hash browns and top with the remaining grated cheese. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake until bubbly and cheese is melted, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Top with shredded lettuce and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle chopped pickles on top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Customize toppings with additional Big Mac-inspired ingredients such as diced tomatoes or chopped onions.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.
