Big Mac Casserole
This ground beef tater tot casserole features creamy thousand island dressing, crunchy dill pickles, and sliced cheddar cheese to recreate the taste of America's favorite burger in a kid-friendly, easy to make, one dish meal.
Equipment
- large frying pan with lid
- meat chopper
- mixing bowl
- mixing spoon
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- 3 quart casserole dish or 9x9 pan greased
- serving spatula
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Ingredients
- 1 lb lean or extra lean ground beef (85% or above)
- ½ cup white onion, chopped (Vidalia is a good choice)
- ½ cup light thousand island dressing (Ken's Steakhouse recommended)
- 1 tablespoon reduced fat mayo (Hellmann's or Duke's)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ cup kosher dill pickle chips or ovals
- 6 slices cheddar cheese (I like prepackaged Sargento's)
- 3 cups frozen tater tots (do not defrost these ahead of time)
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and chopped onions in large skillet until meat is no longer pink; drain.
- Place the drained meat and onions in a mixing bowl. Add the dressing, mayo, paprika and dry mustard; mix well.
- Place the meat mixture into the bottom of a greased 3 quart casserole dish.
- Layer the pickles on top of the meat.
- Place the cheese slices on top of the pickles. (You may need to slice a few in half so there isn't much overlapping; aim to cover all the meat mixture.)
- Arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single file. The tater tots should be touching each other, but not overlapping.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350℉ for 35-40 minutes, or until tots are golden crisp and the cheese is slightly bubbling. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Enjoy within five days. See above post for reheating and freezing instructions.
Notes
You can also assemble this casserole earlier in the day (minus the tater tots), refrigerate and bake later (add the tots just before baking). Please note that the casserole usually bakes for close to 45 minutes if you chose this option.
It isn't necessary to overcook the meat in the skillet since it will be baking more in the oven. Cook it until it's a light brown and no longer pink.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!