Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole: Hearty Dinner Delight (Print Version)

Craving comfort? This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole delivers classic flavors in a crunchy, savory bake. Easy weeknight meal for burger lovers.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American

# Ingredients:

→ Main Casserole Components

01 - 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef (80/20)
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1/2 cup water
05 - 1/4 cup ketchup
06 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
07 - 12 slices American cheese
08 - 32 oz bag frozen tater tots
09 - 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce (for topping)

→ Big Mac Special Sauce Essentials

10 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
11 - 2 tbsp ketchup
12 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
13 - 2 tbsp dill pickle relish
14 - 1/2 tsp paprika
15 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
16 - 1/4 tsp onion powder

→ Seasoning

17 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish & Finishing Touches

18 - Extra dill pickle slices, for serving (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get a large skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it nicely browned, no pink bits left, giving off that amazing savory smell. Drain off any excess grease; we’re not making a grease bomb here! Then, toss in your diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're softened and fragrant, maybe 5-7 minutes. Oh, this is where I always forget to season the beef properly, so don't be like me—add a good pinch of salt and pepper here! The kitchen starts to smell so inviting at this point.
02 - Once the beef is browned and the aromatics are soft, stir in a splash of water, a little ketchup, and a dash of mustard. Let it simmer for a few minutes, just long enough for those flavors to meld together. It’s like creating the base of a really good burger patty, but in casserole form. I once added too much water and it got a bit soupy, so go easy, just enough to moisten everything. This step is about building layers, making sure every bite of your Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is bursting with flavor. The mixture should be moist but not swimming.
03 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it. Spread your seasoned beef mixture evenly across the bottom. This forms the hearty foundation of your Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole. Next, lay those American cheese slices right over the beef. Don’t be shy; you want a good, melty layer. I usually slightly overlap them because I love that cheesy pull. It’s looking pretty good already, honestly!
04 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, remaining ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give it a good stir until it’s smooth and that iconic orange hue appears. Taste it! Adjust seasonings if you need to; maybe a tiny bit more relish if you like it extra tangy, or a dash more paprika for warmth. This sauce is what makes it a Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole, so don’t skip it! I once forgot the relish and it just wasn’t the same, a total oops moment.
05 - Now, drizzle about half of your special sauce over the cheese layer. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it gently. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded lettuce over the sauce. Arrange your frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the lettuce. Try to get them in a neat pattern for maximum crispiness, though honestly, mine usually end up a bit haphazard, and it still works out fine. It’s starting to look like a real Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole masterpiece!
06 - Pop your Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and melted. You want those tots to be crunchy, so keep an eye on them! When it comes out, the whole kitchen smells like a delicious diner. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The cheese will be super hot, and you don’t want to burn your tongue, trust me on that one. Drizzle with the remaining special sauce and garnish with extra pickles if you're feeling fancy.

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush browning the beef; a good sear adds so much flavor depth. Take your time here, it's worth it.
02 - Leftovers are great for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to try and get those tots crispy again, microwaving makes them soft.
03 - If you don't have American cheese, a mild cheddar or Colby Jack will work, but for that classic melty texture, American is the way to go.
04 - A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, making this hearty meal feel balanced.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - 9x13 baking dish
02 - large skillet
03 - mixing bowls

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 35 g
Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
Protein: 25 g

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