Your Favorite Burger in a Comfort Food Classic

Craving a Big Mac but want something a little more hearty, warm, and family-style? Meet your new obsession: Big Mac Casserole. This mouthwatering dish combines all the signature flavors of the classic McDonald’s favorite—savory beef, tangy pickles, creamy “special sauce,” and crisp lettuce—layered over a golden, crispy hash brown base and smothered in melted cheddar cheese. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for game day, or just want a nostalgic twist on dinner, this casserole is the answer.

This Big Mac Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or meal prep. It hits all the right notes of comfort food while adding a clever and fun spin on a fast-food favorite. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and totally customizable. Let’s dive into how to bring this crave-worthy meal to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is ideal for:

Busy families looking for a quick and hearty dinner that feels special.
Big Mac lovers who want all the flavor without the drive-thru.
Meal preppers who love dishes that reheat well.
Anyone who wants a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Unlike traditional burgers, this recipe brings the essence of the Big Mac into casserole form—perfect for sharing and much easier to whip up for a group. From the crispy hash brown “bun” to the signature tang of the homemade special sauce, every bite is loaded with layered flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into making your Big Mac dreams come true:

8 frozen hash brown patties
1 onion (grated and diced)
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
½ cup hamburger dill pickle slices, roughly chopped

Kitchen Equipment Needed

9×13-inch baking dish
Oven
Cheese grater
Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Spoon or spatula
Sharp knife and cutting board

How to Make Big Mac Casserole – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the hash brown patties in a single layer on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Bake them until the bottoms are golden and crispy, about 25 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Special Sauce

While the hash browns are baking, grate 2 tablespoons of onion finely and mix them (and their juices) with mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon salt, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, mustard, paprika, and onion powder. This is your Big Mac-style sauce—creamy, tangy, and totally addictive. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, then crumble with a spoon and continue cooking for 5 more minutes until browned. Stir in the remaining salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and the rest of the diced onion. Cook for another minute.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir 2/3 cup of the sauce and 1 1/3 cups of shredded cheese into the meat mixture. Flip the baked hash browns so the crispy side is up. Spoon the beef mixture evenly over them, sprinkle with the remaining cheese and sesame seeds.

Step 5: Bake Again

Return the dish to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before topping.

Step 6: Final Touches

Top the baked casserole with shredded iceberg lettuce, drizzle with the remaining sauce, and scatter the chopped dill pickles over the top. Serve immediately for maximum wow factor.

Tips, Tricks & Variations

Ingredient Swaps:

Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative.
Cheese: American cheese can give a more classic “Big Mac” flavor, or try Monterey Jack for a melty twist.
Hash Browns: No patties? Use shredded hash browns and press them into the pan like a crust.

Add-Ons:

Tomatoes: Not traditional, but a few cherry tomato halves can add a fresh pop.
Bacon Bits: Because… bacon.
Jalapeños: For a spicy Big Mac twist.

Make It Keto:

Swap hash browns for a cauliflower crust and omit the sugar in the sauce. You’ll still get all the Big Mac flavor with way fewer carbs.

How to Store & Reheat

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat this delicious casserole:

Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 10–15 minutes) or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes per portion. Add fresh lettuce and sauce after reheating for best texture.

Food & Drink Pairings

To round out your meal, here are some perfect pairings:

Drink: A classic soda, root beer float, or even a cold lager works beautifully.
Side Dish: Serve with onion rings, air-fried sweet potato fries, or a simple slaw.
Dessert: Keep the nostalgia going with a homemade milkshake or an apple pie pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole through Step 4, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The creamy cheese, crispy hash browns, and burger flavor are all kid-approved.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce mixed with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of sugar can mimic the flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes. Swap the beef for a vegetarian ground meat alternative and proceed with the recipe as is.

What if I don’t have hash brown patties?

You can use regular frozen shredded hash browns. Just press them into the baking dish like a crust and bake until golden before adding the beef mixture.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

There’s nothing quite like the nostalgic flavor of a Big Mac—and now you can enjoy it in a cozy, cheesy, family-sized dish. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding the kids, or treating yourself to a flavor-packed dinner, this Big Mac Casserole is sure to satisfy. It’s comfort food with a fast-food twist, and once you make it, you’ll be hooked.

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