This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole takes everything I love about a classic Big Mac and transforms it into a comforting, cheesy, and crispy tater tot casserole. With layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and golden tater tots, all topped with a homemade Big Mac sauce, this dish is perfect for a fun family dinner or even a potluck.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (16 oz) bag frozen tater tots
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons mustard
¼ cup pickle relish
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Stir in ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and vinegar, then remove from heat.
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and spread the tater tots evenly over the bottom.
Pour the beef mixture over the tater tots and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
While baking, prepare the Big Mac sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and vinegar in a small bowl.
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and drizzle the Big Mac sauce over the top.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Variations
Add bacon – Crumble cooked bacon over the top for an extra savory twist.
Make it spicy – Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Use different cheese – Swap out cheddar and mozzarella for pepper jack or Swiss.
Low-carb option – Use cauliflower tots instead of traditional tater tots.
Extra veggies – Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for more texture.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
I prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, I assemble the casserole and pop it in the oven.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes, diced and roasted potatoes work well, but they won’t have the same crispy texture as tater tots.
Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?
I swap ground beef for lean turkey and use a lighter cheese blend to cut calories. Cauliflower tots are also a great alternative.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A simple side salad, roasted veggies, or even a light coleslaw pairs perfectly with this dish.
Can I use store-bought Big Mac sauce?
Absolutely! If I’m short on time, I grab a bottle of store-bought Big Mac sauce to drizzle on top.
Conclusion
This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect mix of comfort food and fast-food flavors, making it an instant family favorite. With crispy tater tots, cheesy layers, and a signature tangy sauce, it’s a meal that’s easy to love. Whether served fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, it’s always a hit.
Recipe:
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is a cheesy, crispy, and flavorful twist on the classic Big Mac! Featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and golden tater tots, all topped with a tangy homemade Big Mac sauce, this easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or potlucks.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 (16 oz) bag frozen tater tots
¼ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons mustard
¼ cup pickle relish
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Brown beef: Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mix in sauces: Stir in ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and vinegar. Remove from heat.
- Assemble casserole: Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread tater tots evenly at the bottom. Layer the beef mixture over the tater tots and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and tater tots are golden brown.
- Prepare sauce: While baking, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and vinegar in a small bowl.
- Serve: Drizzle Big Mac sauce over the casserole, serve warm, and enjoy!
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the beef mixture ahead and store it in the fridge for quick assembly.
Substitutions: Swap ground beef for turkey for a leaner option or use cauliflower tots for a low-carb version.
Extra Flavor: Add cooked bacon, jalapeños, or different cheeses like Swiss or pepper jack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 500 kcal
