Let’s be real—who doesn’t crave a Big Mac every now and then? But what if you could capture all that fast food flavor in a cozy, hearty homemade dish? That’s where Big Mac Casserole comes in. It’s everything you love about a classic burger—savory beef, melty cheese, tangy pickles, and that iconic “special sauce”—baked together into one bubbling, satisfying pan.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
Big Mac Casserole isn’t just a recipe—it’s a love letter to fast food fanatics and home cooks alike. The concept? Take the nostalgic flavors of the iconic McDonald’s Big Mac and remix them into a comforting casserole that you can whip up on a weeknight.
It’s indulgent without being over-the-top. Think of it as fast food’s more mature, home-cooked cousin.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this magic to life:
Main Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
3 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
1 tbsp relish
Optional Add-ons:
Shredded lettuce (added after baking)
Sesame seeds (sprinkled on top for that Big Mac bun vibe)
Chopped tomatoes
Substitutions:
Turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian version
Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a healthier sauce
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy—just the basics:
A skillet for browning beef
Mixing bowls
A 9×13 casserole dish
Oven (obviously!)
Whisk and spatula
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preparing the Ground Beef Layer
Brown the beef in a skillet with onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat. This forms the savory base of your casserole.
2. Assembling the Signature “Mac Sauce”
Mix mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and a bit of paprika. This tangy, creamy sauce ties the whole dish together.
3. Layering Like a Pro
In your greased casserole dish, layer cooked beef, pickles, shredded cheddar, and the sauce. Pour the egg and cream mixture on top to help it bind and bake beautifully.
4. Baking to Perfection
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden. Optional: Add sesame seeds on top before baking!
5. Final Toppings and Serving
Top with shredded lettuce, a few extra pickles, and maybe even a drizzle of more sauce. Serve hot!
Big Mac Sauce – The Star of the Show
Let’s not pretend—the sauce is what makes a Big Mac a Big Mac. Recreate it at home with mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish. The secret? A splash of vinegar and a dash of paprika. Boom—spot-on flavor.
Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s the thing: It’s not exactly salad, but it’s also not drive-thru junk. Depending on your ingredients, each serving ranges between 350–450 calories.
Looking to go keto or low-carb? Ditch the ketchup and opt for sugar-free alternatives. Also, skip the bun-style toppings like sesame seeds.
Taste & Texture
Expect layers of creamy, tangy, cheesy, beefy goodness. It’s like taking a bite of your favorite burger but with the gooey comfort of a lasagna-style dish.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your casserole with:
A side of crispy baked fries
Coleslaw for a fresh crunch
Pickle spears and iced tea
Perfect for Sunday dinners, casual get-togethers, or even as a game-day meal.
Storage and Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 300°F or zap it in the microwave.
You can also freeze portions—just thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations to Try
Low-Carb/Keto Version
Skip the ketchup, use low-carb relish and sugar-free ingredients. Trust me, you won’t miss the carbs.
Vegetarian Version
Use plant-based ground meat or a lentil-mushroom blend.
Spicy Big Mac Casserole
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese to turn up the heat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the beef: Dry beef = sad casserole.
Using too much sauce: It should be creamy, not soupy.
Using the wrong cheese: Stick to melty options like cheddar or American.
Making It Kid-Friendly
Kids love the familiar flavors. To keep them coming back for more:
Go easy on the pickles and onions.
Let them sprinkle on their own toppings.
Serve with waffle fries or baby carrots.
Crowd Pleaser for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a potluck, a casual birthday party, or meal prep for the week, Big Mac Casserole is a winner. It’s fast, flexible, and fun to eat. And hey, it’s a total conversation starter.
Print
Big Mac Casserole
This Big Mac Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic fast-food burger, transformed into a warm, cheesy, and comforting baked dish. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tangy pickles, gooey cheese, and a creamy homemade “special sauce,” it’s a family-friendly favorite that’s low on effort but big on flavor!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
3 large eggs
1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Big Mac Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
1 tsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp paprika
Pinch of sugar (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with chopped onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until browned. Drain excess grease.
Prepare the sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, paprika, and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
Layer the casserole:
Spread the cooked beef evenly in the baking dish.
Sprinkle chopped pickles and shredded cheese over the beef.
Drizzle about 3/4 of the Big Mac sauce on top (reserve the rest for serving).
Whisk the eggs and cream together, then pour evenly over the casserole to bind it all.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly golden.
Cool slightly before serving. Top with shredded lettuce, sesame seeds, or more sauce if desired!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of casserole)
Final Thoughts
Big Mac Casserole isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience. It gives you the best of both worlds: comfort food and nostalgic fast food vibes. Whether you’re feeding a family or just need something hearty and crave-worthy, this casserole checks all the boxes.
FAQs
1. Can I make Big Mac Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prep it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when you’re ready—just add 5–10 extra minutes.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze it after assembling or after baking. It keeps well for up to 2 months.
3. What can I substitute for pickles?
Try chopped green olives or capers for a similar briny flavor.
4. Is this casserole gluten-free?
It can be—just make sure your condiments and sauces are gluten-free.
5. How do I make it more filling?
Add a bottom layer of cauliflower rice or diced potatoes for extra bulk.