Big Mac Casserole

Name: Big Mac Casserole
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound frozen diced hash browns; 2 tablespoons oil; 1/2 cup finely diced white onion; 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; salt and black pepper ((to taste)); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese ((divided)); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 2 teaspoons yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 2-3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce; 1/2 cup dill pickle chips; 1/2 cup diced tomato; 1/4 cup finely diced white onion ((or dehydrated onion mixture, see notes above))

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If you like the classic hamburger, you’ll love this Big Mac casserole! This fun low-carb, family-friendly dinner tastes just like the iconic burger but without the bun!

Casserole dish of Big Mac Casserole topped with pickles, lettuce, tomatoes and onions.

Jump to Recipe

A Big Mac in Casserole Form

When I’m trying to eat low-carb but still want to indulge in those classic burger flavors, this casserole hits the spot. The best part? No bun needed! It’s layered with crispy potatoes, seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings. Drizzle it with homemade Big Mac sauce (or use a shortcut – more on that below!) for a dinner that’s just as satisfying as the real thing. Even my kids love it. They can “build their own burger” with their favorite toppings so everyone wins!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

Casserole Base: Frozen diced hash browns, oil, finely diced white onion, lean ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, shredded cheddar cheese
Big Mac Sauce: Mustard, mayo, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, salt
Toppings: Shredded lettuce, dill pickle chips, diced tomato, finely diced white onion (or rehydrated dehydrated onion)

How to Make Big Mac Casserole

Prep the hash browns: Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare your frozen hash browns according to the package instructions. Once they’re crispy, set them aside.
Cook the beef and onions: In the same pan, sauté the ground beef and onions until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Combine ingredients: Mix the cooked hash browns into the beef mixture. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
Assemble the casserole: Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the beef and hash brown mixture evenly in the dish and sprinkle with more cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Make the sauce: While the casserole bakes, mix together all the sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Finish and serve: Let the casserole cool for 3-5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Top with shredded lettuce, pickles, diced tomatoes, and onions. Drizzle with Big Mac sauce and serve immediately.

Great Value bottle of Secret Sauce in front of Big Mac Casserole.

Tips and Variations

Hash browns: You can swap diced hash browns for shredded ones, tater tots, or even sautéed diced potatoes. Each option gives a slightly different texture, but all are delicious.
Sauce shortcut: Wanna skip a step and make this even easier? You can skip making the sauce and use WalMart’s “Great Value Secret Sauce for Burgers and Dipping.” Big Mac lovers swear that it tastes exactly like McDonald’s Big Mac sauce.
Leftovers tip: Serve the toppings on the side if you’re planning for leftovers. This way, everyone can customize their portion, and you can avoid soggy lettuce or hot pickles when reheating.
Meat swap: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or even go vegetarian with “Impossible” beef for lighter options. With all the toppings and sauce, you won’t even notice the difference!
Make it Gluten-Free: This is practically gluten free. The only possible gluten culprit is the Worcestershire sauce. Just be sure to check the label and if you are unsure, just leave it out and you are good to go!
Try some different flavors: Feel free to get creative! Some delicious additions include crispy bacon bits, sliced jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that classic burger bun flavor.

McDonalds Onion Hack

Can we talk about McDonalds onions for a sec? One of my daughters will ONLY have onions on her burger if they are from McDonalds. I get it. The McDonalds onions are diced super small and not too crunchy or spicy. They are just so good on burgers! But did you know they just use dehydrated onions and simply re-hydrate them?

To recreate their signature diced onions, combine 1 tablespoon of dehydrated onion with 2 tablespoons of water. Microwave for 30 seconds, then let it sit for 15 minutes. Drain any excess water. That’s it. Perfect McDonalds-style onions!

Hydrated minced onions in a small glass bowl and measuring spoons.

What to Serve with Big Mac Casserole

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can serve it over a bed of lettuce for a Big Mac-inspired salad. Looking for sides? Try a simple green salad or some roasted veggies to round out the meal.

Scoop of Big Mac Casserole topped with lettuce, pickles, tomatoes and onion in a large spoon.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store the meat and hash brown mixture separately from the toppings for the best results. Reheat the casserole in the microwave or oven, then add the fresh toppings and sauce before serving. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, too – just pack the components in separate containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I make Big Mac Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the beef and hash brown mixture and store it in the fridge for up to two days before baking. When you’re ready to serve, layer it in a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake as directed. Add the fresh toppings and sauce just before serving.

Is this casserole keto-friendly?

This recipe can easily be adapted for a keto diet by substituting the hash browns with cauliflower rice or diced roasted cauliflower. Make sure to check the labels on your sauce ingredients to avoid added sugars.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While I like cheddar best, you can use American cheese, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.