Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

“Did You Just Say Big Mac Casserole?” Yes. Yes, I Did.

The first time I made this, my husband looked at me like I’d lost my mind. But after the second bite, he was making those happy food noises we all pretend we don’t make. You know the ones.

It’s cheesy. It’s tangy. It’s crunchy on top and gooey underneath. It’s exactly what you make when you want to feed a crowd with something fun, easy, and so over-the-top, you’ll be asked for the recipe before the plates are even cleared.

Why You’ll Love It

• Tastes like a Big Mac… but better

• Feeds a hungry crew — even teenagers with bottomless stomachs

• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly

• It’s a conversation starter — trust me, people will ask

• Perfect for game night, weeknight, or potlucks

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 cup Thousand Island dressing

• ¼ cup mayo – just enough to make it creamy

• 1 cup diced yellow onion

• 1 cup diced dill pickles – yes, pickles. Don’t skip this.

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese

• 24 oz frozen tater tots – one even layer, no stacking

For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce – optional, but classic

• ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing – for drizzling

Let’s Make Some Casserole Magic

1. Get That Oven Hot

Preheat to 400°F and grease a 9×13″ baking dish. Set it aside while you work the skillet.

2. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and 1 tablespoon of butter. (The butter gives a little richness — don’t skip it.) Break up the meat as it cooks. Once browned, drain off the excess grease. You want it flavorful, not greasy.

3. Mix in the Good Stuff

Now add to the skillet:

• 1 cup Thousand Island dressing

• ¼ cup mayo

• Diced onion

• Diced pickles

• Onion & garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Give it all a good stir until everything’s coated in that creamy, tangy sauce. At this point, the smell might make you want to grab a spoon and eat it straight — but hang tight, it gets even better.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Pour the beef mixture into your prepared baking dish. Smooth it out. Sprinkle on both cheeses in an even layer. Then top with frozen tater tots — line ‘em up like little soldiers or scatter ‘em. Just keep it to one layer.

5. Bake Until Bubbly

Pop it in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the tots are crispy and golden-brown and everything underneath is hot and melty.

6. Finish with That Big Mac Flair

Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes (if you can wait), then sprinkle with shredded iceberg lettuce and drizzle with that extra ¼ cup of Thousand Island dressing. Serve warm.

Pro tip: Don’t add the lettuce until right before serving or it’ll get soggy.

Make It Your Own

• Swap the beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles

• Add a layer of sliced tomatoes under the tots for a fresh twist

• Use spicy pickles or jalapeños for heat

• Try a different cheese – pepper jack, anyone?

• Top with sesame seeds if you really want that “burger” feel

How to Store & Reheat Like a Pro

• Fridge: Keeps for 3–4 days covered in the fridge.

• Reheat: Microwave individual portions, or bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 15 min).

• Freezer: You can freeze the fully baked casserole (before adding lettuce). Let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for about 40 minutes, covered with foil.

Final Thoughts From My Messy Kitchen

This ain’t your grandma’s casserole — unless your grandma owned a drive-thru and had a wicked sense of humor. It’s fun, filling, and just the right kind of silly to make a regular ol’ Tuesday night feel like something special.

And listen — if you’re worried about using dressing and pickles in a casserole, just trust me. I wouldn’t lead you astray. One bite, and you’ll be converted.

If you try it, come back and let me know how it went. Did your family love it? Did you sneak a second helping after bedtime like I did? I love hearing your stories.

Till next time — keep your oven hot and your heart hungry.
💛

Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Course Casserole, Main

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 cup diced dill pickle
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 24 oz frozen tater tots
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing (for topping)

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9x13-inch pan and set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and butter, crumbling the beef as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
• Add Thousand Island dressing, mayonnaise, diced onion, diced dill pickle, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine well.
• Pour beef mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and Colby Jack cheese over the beef, then top with a single layer of frozen tater tots.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown.
• Remove from oven and top with shredded iceberg lettuce and a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

This crowd-pleaser brings all the flavors of a Big Mac in cozy casserole form. You can add sesame seeds on top after baking for a fun 'bun' touch!

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