Big Mac Casserole

This Big Mac casserole is what happens when you want fast food flavors but don’t want to deal with the drive-through. Seasoned ground beef, thousand island dressing, pickles, and cheddar cheese topped with crispy tater tots and all the burger fixings. It’s basically a deconstructed Big Mac in casserole form AND it’s gluten-free.

I make this for game day (it’s great alongside my walking taco casserole if you’re feeding a big group), movie nights, or anytime I want a crowd-pleaser that takes minimal effort. The tater tots get crispy on top, the cheese gets melty underneath, and the fresh lettuce and pickles on top give you that cold-crisp contrast that makes a Big Mac a Big Mac.

Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

• Ground beef – Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the dish. I used 90/10 ground beef which is 90% lean, 10% fat. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can also work as a lighter alternative, though ground beef will give you the most classic Big Mac flavor.
• Onion – A yellow or white onion works best for its balance of sweetness and bite. Make sure the onion is fresh, with no soft spots or visible mold.
• Garlic powder – Make sure that your garlic powder is fresh, so that it has plenty of flavor. If you prefer, 1-2 minced garlic cloves can replace the powder. Add it in after sautéing the onions and cook while stirring for 1 minute to ensure it does not burn.
• Onion powder – Even though we’re using diced onions in the recipe already, I like to add some onion powder in with the other seasoning for some extra onion flavor. I find this really helps you get that burger flavor we’re looking for.
• Salt – Standard table salt works fine, but if you prefer, kosher or sea salt can also be used. Just adjust to taste, as these salts can be less salty per volume.
• Ground black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper offers the most flavor. Pre-ground works too, but the taste may be less potent. I prefer the kind that comes as whole black peppercorns and I grind myself.
• Worcestershire sauce – Make sure to choose a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce as some worcestershire sauces use soy sauce and/or barley malt vinegar. I use Lea & Perrins, which is marked as gluten-free in the US on the label. Note, that I’ve read that this brand uses malt vinegar in Canada and the UK, so it is not gluten-free in those countries.
• Thousand Island dressing – Always double-check that your Thousand Island dressing is gluten-free. Some brands may contain gluten, so read the label carefully. You can always make your own thousand island dressing from scratch, but for simplicity I like to use store-bought for this recipe.
• Diced pickles – Opt for dill pickles for a tangy kick. I used Baby Dill pickles that I cut into small diced pieces. You don’t want the pieces to be too big, you just want to be able to get the flavor of the pickles with a little bit of texture into the sauce. You can also use pickle relish if you have that on hand instead.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – A medium or sharp cheddar works best for flavor. Feel free to mix with other cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a different twist.
• Gluten-Free Tater Tots – Check the frozen aisle for gluten-free options. The packaging should clearly indicate if the tater tots are gluten-free. I used Ore Ida tater tots, which are marked gluten-free.
• Diced tomatoes – Fresh, ripe tomatoes work best for topping. You can also use cherry tomatoes sliced in half.
• Sliced pickles – Consistency is key; try to slice your pickles uniformly for even distribution as a topping. You can use store-bought sliced hamburger pickles if you want the look from the photos. You can also slice the dill pickles that you used for the diced pickles so you don’t have to buy two different kinds of pickles.
• Shredded lettuce – Iceberg or romaine lettuce offers a refreshing, crispy texture. Make sure it’s washed and dried properly.
• Sesame seeds – It wouldn’t be a Big Mac without the sesame bun. Sesame seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and a little crunch. They give the casserole that Big Mac feel, without the bun!

Grate Your Own Cheese

When choosing cheddar cheese, consider opting for a block of cheddar that you shred yourself rather than pre-shredded options. Freshly shredded cheese tends to melt better, giving you a smoother, creamier texture in the final dish.

Step-by-Step instructions

This big mac casserole with tater tots is a really easy meal to make any day of the week. The below steps with matching photos are not meant to be the full recipe, but instead to help you see the recipe made at various stages so you can make this casserole perfectly every time.

For the ingredient list with measurements, full instructions, printable recipe, and additional notes, please scroll down to the recipe card.

Add the ground beef and onions to an oven-safe skillet or braising pan. Cook the meat until browned, breaking the beef up into clumps as it cooks. Add the diced pickles, Thousand island dressing, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder and salt. Mix until combined and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pat the ground beef mixture into a flat surface. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese to the top of the ground beef layer. Starting with the outer edge, start placing the frozen tater tots in a spiral pattern over the cheese. Make sure to cover the entire surface with the tater tots. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and golden and the cheese is completely melted. Top the casserole with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced pickles, sesame seeds and additional Thousand Island dressing. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Prep the beef mixture and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese and tater tots right before baking.

Can I use a different meat?

Ground turkey or chicken works, but beef tastes most like a Big Mac.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you check labels on the Worcestershire sauce, thousand island dressing, and tater tots.

Is Thousand Island the same as Big Mac sauce?

No, but close enough. Big Mac sauce uses French dressing instead of ketchup, but thousand island gets you there without making sauce from scratch.

Expert Tips

• Add cheese twice. Layer most of the cheese under the tater tots, then sprinkle the rest on top so it gets crispy.
• Add toppings after baking. Lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles go on fresh. The contrast between the cold, crisp toppings and the hot casserole is what makes it taste like a Big Mac.

Storage instructions

• Storage: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best quality, separate the fresh toppings like lettuce and pickles before storing.
• Freezer Option: For best results, freeze the casserole prior to baking it. When it’s time to cook the casserole, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and proceed with the oven-baking steps. You’ll likely need to extend the original baking time by a few minutes.
• Reheat: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, though this may affect the texture of the tater tots.

More gluten-free meals to try

All Dinners

• 

  Gluten-Free Lasagna

• 

  Gluten-Free Mozzarella Sticks

• 

  Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to know! Please rate it and leave a comment below. You can also share your pictures and tag @adashofmegnut on Instagram.