Print

Big Mac Casserole Recipe

Big Mac Casserole Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

This Big Mac Casserole is a layered, baked dish that captures the classic flavors of the iconic fast food burger in an easy, comforting casserole form. Featuring seasoned ground beef, a crispy toasted bun layer, melty American and cheddar cheeses, tangy special sauce, and fresh toppings like lettuce, pickles, and onions, it’s the perfect indulgent meal that brings the Big Mac experience to your dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Layer

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for authentic flavor)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Middle Bun Layer

  • 6 hamburger buns, torn into bite-sized pieces (preferably stale)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Special Sauce

  • 1 cup mayonnaise (full fat recommended)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Casserole Assembly

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (classic orange cheddar)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 8 slices American cheese (plastic-wrapped type)

Instructions

  1. The Beef Layer: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. When the beef is halfway cooked and still pink, add diced onions and minced garlic. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain most of the fat, leaving some for flavor. Return to heat, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. The Middle Bun Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Tear hamburger buns into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl. Mix melted butter with sesame seeds and garlic powder, then pour over the buns and toss until evenly coated. Spread the bun pieces on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes until lightly golden but not burnt. Remove and set aside.
  3. The Special Sauce: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Mix well and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. The sauce should be tangy and slightly sweet, mimicking the classic Big Mac special sauce.
  4. Casserole Assembly: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture evenly on the bottom. Layer 4 slices of American cheese over the beef. Sprinkle half the chopped pickles and half the diced onions on top of the cheese. Drizzle about one-third of the special sauce evenly over this layer. Next, add the toasted bun pieces and spread them evenly. Drizzle another one-third of the special sauce over the buns. Spread the remaining beef mixture on top of the buns. Layer the remaining 4 slices of American cheese, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
  5. Baking: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges begin to crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.
  6. The Finishing Touch: Top the casserole with shredded lettuce, the remaining chopped pickles, remaining diced onions, and drizzle the rest of the special sauce over the top. Serve hot and enjoy the familiar flavors of a Big Mac in casserole form.

Notes

  • For best texture, use slightly stale hamburger buns for the middle bun layer so they toast up crisp instead of soggy.
  • You can prepare the casserole up to assembly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
  • To freeze, assemble without lettuce and final sauce drizzle, cover tightly, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Leftover casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; add fresh lettuce when reheating to preserve crunch.
  • Feel free to experiment with variations like swapping ground turkey for beef, replacing buns with tater tots, or adding jalapeños for a spicy kick.
  • Serve with air fryer fries, a simple side salad, or pickles for a complete fast-food experience.

Nutrition

Keywords: Big Mac casserole, layered casserole, ground beef casserole, special sauce recipe, comfort food, American fast food recipe

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/big-mac-casserole-recipe/