This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up combining the flavors of a classic burger with the irresistible crunch of crispy tater tots, all baked to golden perfection in a cheesy, indulgent casserole.
This casserole is so easy to make, even if you're not a master chef. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck with friends, or even a fun movie night snack.
Whether you're hosting a casual family gathering, or feeding a hungry crowd, this casserole is sure to be a hit. It's the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum satisfaction.
Why You Will Love This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
Here’s why you’ll be addicted to this dish:
Classic Flavors: This casserole combines the beloved flavors of a Big Mac burger with the comforting goodness of a tater tot casserole. It's a perfect blend of two classic dishes that many people already enjoy.
Satisfying: With juicy ground beef, crispy tater tots, creamy Big Mac sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this casserole is rich, indulgent, and sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty and delicious.
Family-Friendly: The familiar ingredients and flavors make this casserole appealing to both kids and adults alike. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that the whole family can enjoy together.
Comfort Food: This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It's warm, cheesy, and packed with flavors that evoke feelings of nostalgia and satisfaction. It's perfect for cozy nights in or whenever you need a pick-me-up.
INGREDIENTS
This casserole comes together with a list of simple ingredients:
- Ground Beef: This is the main protein component of the casserole, providing a hearty and savory base.
- Thousand Island Dressing: A creamy and tangy dressing that adds a signature Big Mac flavor to the dish. It's used both in the beef mixture and as a topping.
- Mayonnaise: Contributes richness and creaminess to the beef mixture.
- Yellow Onion and Dill Pickles: These add a classic burger-inspired flavor and crunch to the casserole.
- Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: Dried seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Shredded Triple Cheddar Cheese: A blend of cheddar cheeses that melts beautifully, creating a gooey and cheesy layer.
- Frozen Tater Tots: These crispy potato bites form the crunchy topping, adding texture and a nostalgic touch.
- Iceberg Lettuce: Shredded lettuce is sprinkled on top, mimicking the fresh crunch of a burger.
How To Make This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
Making this dish couldn’t be easier:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Make the Beef Mixture: To the cooked ground beef, add ¾ cup of Thousand Island dressing, mayonnaise, diced onion, diced dill pickles, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend over the top. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add the Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately top with the shredded iceberg lettuce. Drizzle the remaining ¼ cup of Thousand Island dressing over the lettuce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve hot, scooping out portions with the lettuce and dressing on top. Enjoy this delicious and indulgent Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole!
Tips For The Best Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the amount of excess fat that needs to be drained from the pan. This will also make the dish a bit healthier.
- Sauté the Onions: For extra flavor, consider sautéing the diced onions in a little oil or butter before adding them to the beef mixture. This will bring out their natural sweetness.
- Customize the Cheese: While the recipe calls for a triple cheddar blend, feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack would also work well.
- Add Bacon: For an even more indulgent twist, consider crumbling some cooked bacon into the beef mixture or sprinkling it over the top of the casserole before baking.
- Make it Spicy: If you prefer a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Garnish with Fresh Toppings: In addition to the shredded lettuce, consider garnishing the casserole with diced tomatoes, sliced pickles, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor
How To Store
Follow these steps to store leftover Big Mac Tater Tot casserole so you can enjoy it again!
To Store: Leftover Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain the crispness of the tater tots, it's best to store the casserole without the lettuce and Thousand Island dressing toppings.
To Freeze: Once the casserole has cooled completely, wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or transfer it to an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
To Reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator or thaw if frozen. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the tater tots.
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
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Ingredients
- 900 g 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 240 ml 1 cup Thousand Island dressing, divided
- 60 ml ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 240 g 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 240 g 1 cup diced dill pickles
- 9 g 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 9 g 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 6 g 1 teaspoon salt
- 6 g 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 500 g 2 cups shredded triple cheddar cheese blend
- 680 g 24 oz frozen tater tots
- 240 g 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 205°C (400°F).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
- Add 180ml (¾ cup) Thousand Island dressing, mayonnaise, diced onion, diced pickles, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce.
- Drizzle the remaining 60ml (¼ cup) Thousand Island dressing over the lettuce.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add 1-2 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Substitute dill relish for the diced pickles if preferred.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for the sauce to thicken slightly.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the triple cheddar blend with your preferred cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
While tater tots give this casserole its signature texture, you can substitute it with diced or sliced potatoes. Adjust baking time as needed.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach would make a tasty addition to the beef mixture.
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