Craving the iconic taste of a Big Mac but want to try something new? This Ultimate Big Mac Casserole is the perfect twist, bringing all the classic flavors you love into a comforting, easy-to-make dish. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tangy pickles, and a creamy special sauce, each bite delivers that familiar taste in a whole new way. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this delightful casserole that will have everyone coming back for more!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare the potatoes by washing and chopping them into small pieces, leaving the skin on.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the chopped potatoes along with 1/4 cup of water. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until they soften, which should take 5 to 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the potatoes to a baking dish.
- In the same pan, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is nearly done and the onions have softened. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard, mixing thoroughly. Combine this mixture with the potatoes in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and potato mixture. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for 15 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- While the casserole is baking, prepare the Big Mac sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, chopped dill pickles, and pickle juice. Refrigerate the sauce until the casserole is ready to be topped.
- Once the baking is complete, remove the foil from the dish and drizzle the prepared Big Mac sauce over the casserole. Garnish with shredded lettuce, chopped white onions, chopped tomatoes, and dill pickle chips before serving. Enjoy your Big Mac Casserole!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (96/4)
- 1 lb russet potatoes, chopped
- 1/2 white onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (112g)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (55g)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (65g)
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1 tbsp dill pickle juice
- 1 vine tomato, chopped
- A handful of chopped white onions
- A handful of shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup dill pickle chips
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1914 kcal | Carbohydrates: 114g | Protein: 138g | Fat: 102g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 360mg | Sodium: 2574mg | Potassium: 2250mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 384IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 120mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- What is Big Mac Casserole?
- Big Mac Casserole is essentially a deconstructed Big Mac served as a casserole. It combines all the familiar flavors of a Big Mac, including ground beef, potatoes, and the iconic sauce, into a single dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
- Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded chicken. However, keep in mind that using a different meat might alter the classic Big Mac taste, as the original burger is made with beef.
- What size casserole dish should I use for this recipe?
- The recipe uses an 8-inch by 8-inch dish, but you can adjust the size based on the amount you’re preparing. Just ensure that the ingredients are evenly spread out for consistent cooking.
- How can I make this casserole lower in fat?
- To reduce the fat content, consider using low-fat mayonnaise and reduced-fat cheese, though note that reduced-fat cheese may not melt as well. Additionally, using a leaner meat such as ground turkey with a 99/1 fat ratio can help lower the fat content.
- What should I serve with Big Mac Casserole?
- The casserole can be served as a complete meal on its own. However, it pairs well with sides like fresh french fries, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a fuller meal experience.
Tips
- To ensure even cooking, chop the potatoes into small bite-sized pieces. Larger pieces will take longer to cook, potentially delaying the overall preparation time.
- Opt for white onions instead of yellow to achieve the authentic Big Mac flavor. The subtle difference in taste can significantly impact the final dish.
- Add the shredded lettuce right before serving to avoid it becoming soggy. If you’re planning to eat the entire casserole in one sitting, you can add it all at once.
- Using full-fat cheddar cheese instead of low-fat versions will result in better melting and a richer taste. If there’s excess liquid after cooking, drain some but retain a bit for added flavor.
Equipment
- 8-inch by 8-inch Casserole Dish – If you don’t already own a baking dish of this size, you might need to buy one.
- Oven-Safe Foil – Useful for covering the casserole during baking.
- Chopping Board – Essential for preparing ingredients like potatoes, onions, and tomatoes.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife – Necessary for chopping and dicing ingredients efficiently.
- Non-Stick Frying Pan – Used for cooking the potatoes and ground beef mixture.
- Mixing Bowls – For preparing the Big Mac sauce and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickles.
