Big Mac Style Casserole Bake

If you love the flavors of a fast food favorite but want something cozy and homemade, this Big Mac casserole fits the bill perfectly. It transforms all the tangy saucy goodness of a classic burger into a family friendly bake. I rely on this in my house whenever I need a hands off meal that everyone is excited to eat.

This recipe became my go to after I needed an effortless dinner that would please picky eaters. Now it is our weeknight treat that gets passed around the table with smiles.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: For a rich savory base go for high quality beef with good marbling
• Large onion, diced: For sweetness and depth use fresh onion for the best results
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and complexity choose one with no added sugar if you prefer
• Garlic powder: Boosts flavor in the meat opt for a pure garlic powder without fillers
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning everything taste before baking
• Dill pickle chips, chopped: Bring that classic tanginess look for crunchy pickles for the right texture
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melting and sharp brings everything together select freshly shredded cheese for optimal melt
• Large eggs: Bind the casserole and create custard make sure your eggs are fresh
• Heavy cream: Gives creaminess and body to the sauce grab full fat cream for richness
• Mayonnaise: Adds that signature burger sauce creaminess use good quality real mayonnaise
• Mustard: Boosts the sauce tang use classic yellow for familiarity
• Ketchup: For sweetness and acidity choose a ketchup with no high fructose corn syrup
• Onion powder: Layers in more savory flavor
• Paprika: Adds color and warmth try smoked paprika for a deeper taste
• Shredded iceberg lettuce for topping: Gives crunch and lightness shred right before serving for crispness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to warm up fully while you prep other ingredients so the casserole bakes evenly

Cook the Beef and Onion:

Place the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat Cook until the beef is deeply browned and the onion turns translucent about eight to ten minutes Stir frequently and break up clumps so the beef cooks evenly Drain off any fat after cooking to keep the casserole from getting greasy

Add Seasonings:

Stir in Worcestershire sauce garlic powder salt and pepper with the cooked beef and onion Let it cook together for two more minutes to bring out the savory base Remove from heat

Layer into the Dish:

Spread the seasoned beef mixture into a nine by thirteen inch baking dish Use a spoon to smooth it into an even layer Sprinkle chopped dill pickle chips across the surface paying attention to get them scattered everywhere for even tangy bites

Mix Eggs and Sauce:

Whisk eggs heavy cream mayonnaise mustard ketchup onion powder and paprika in a bowl until fully blended Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the beef and pickles using a spatula to cover every corner

Add Cheese:

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the egg layer Distribute it in an even layer for perfect golden bubbling

Bake:

Slide the baking dish into your hot oven Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the cheese is melted golden and totally bubbly The center should be set when you give the dish a gentle shake

Cool and Add Lettuce:

Take the casserole from the oven and let it cool for three to five minutes to allow the custard to firm up Once slightly cooled scatter generous handfuls of freshly shredded iceberg lettuce over the top for the familiar burger crunch

Save it

Iceberg lettuce is the ingredient I always look forward to because it adds that crisp freshness and brings the burger vibe together My cousin once insisted on doubling the pickles and it turned our family dinner into a hilarious pickle fan club meeting

Storage Tips

Cool the casserole completely before covering and refrigerating It keeps well for up to four days in a sealed container For freezing slice and wrap individual portions tightly in plastic and store for a month When ready to eat just reheat gently in the oven for the best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter twist If you like things spicy add diced pickled jalapenos to the beef layer Try Swiss or Monterey Jack in place of cheddar for a milder flavor and Romaine in place of iceberg brings an extra crunch

Serving Suggestions

I like to top each serving with a dollop of extra burger sauce or pile on sliced tomatoes for more freshness Serve with baked fries or roasted veggies to round out the meal For gatherings set up a toppings bar with extra pickles diced onions and tomato slices for build your own fun

Big Mac-Inspired Casseroles in Food History

This kind of recipe grew in popularity with the rise of vintage dinner bakes and potlucks in the twentieth century It solves the problem of serving burgers to a group while keeping cleanup minimal It is a playful nod to classic comfort food culture that never really goes out of style

Save it

Taste test your pickle chips in advance since the brininess really shapes the casserole

Common Questions

→ Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be swapped for beef. Expect a lighter texture and milder flavor profile.

→ Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Substitute dairy-free cheese shreds and coconut cream for cheddar and heavy cream to enjoy without dairy.

→ What is the purpose of pickles in the dish?

Chopped dill pickles add tang and cut through the richness, mimicking a signature burger taste.

→ Could I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble up to the cheese layer, refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add lettuce just before serving.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.