Big Mac Casserole Bake

Big Mac Casserole turns the classic flavors of a beloved fast food burger into a hearty bake that brings the family running to the table. When you crave comfort but want something in casserole form, this dish nails all the best things about a cheeseburger: savory beef, zesty sauce, gooey cheese, and a buttery bun, all in one bubbling dish. My house smells like a drive-thru in the very best way when this comes out of the oven, and there is never a single bite left.

After making this when I had a bag of unloved buns and leftover ground beef, I found it instantly became my teens’ most requested dinner. You get the sesame seed sandwich magic in every bite.

Ingredients

• Ground beef (80/20): For authentic fast food flavor and juicy results. Pick fresh, bright red beef for best taste
• Diced onion: Adds sweetness and texture. Choose firm, no soft spots onions for best flavor
• American cheese and cheddar cheese: Mimic those classic burger layers. Use block cheddar and shred it yourself for great melt
• Hamburger buns: Ideal if they are a day old. The slight dryness helps absorb the sauce
• Pickle relish and sweet pickles: Define the signature tangy layer. Go for crisp, small-batch pickles if you can find them
• Mayonnaise (full fat): Brings rich creaminess to the sauce
• Sesame seeds: On the bun layer to bump up the burger vibe
• Lettuce: Gives a refreshing crunch when serving. Use crisp iceberg or romaine for the best texture

Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up gently as it cooks. Wait until there is still some pink left before you add the diced onions and garlic. Keep stirring until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have softened and become glossy. Pour off most of the fat, but leave a little for extra flavor. Sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let this simmer so that everything melds and becomes fragrant. Once all is combined and aromatic, set the skillet aside

Toast the Buns:

While the beef cools, preheat your oven. Tear your hamburger buns into small pieces and toss them with melted butter, sesame seeds, and garlic powder. Spread these on a baking sheet and let them toast in the oven until golden but not dry or burned. You want slight crispness so they can hold up in the casserole

Mix the Special Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic and onion powder in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust until you feel that it tastes just like your favorite burger dressing

Assemble the Casserole:

Grease a baking dish and start with half the beef layer. Add a layer of American cheese, then some pickles and diced onion. Drizzle part of your special sauce over everything for extra juiciness and flavor. Place your toasted bun chunks across the middle, followed by another drizzle of sauce and the rest of the beef. Top with the final slices of American cheese and all that shredded cheddar for bubbles and melt. Bake uncovered till the cheese is golden and everything is hot and irresistible

Finish and Serve:

Take the casserole out and let it rest a few minutes. Shower the top with fresh lettuce, more pickles, and the last of the onion. Drizzle with remaining sauce and serve hot so everyone gets that classic stacked burger feeling

Pickles are my secret weapon for the sauce and toppings because they brighten the whole dish. My family laughs every time they see the giant pickle jar because they know this meal is coming. I keep the relish and pickles front and center in my fridge just for recipes like this.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Big Mac Casserole stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The bun layer soaks in some flavor overnight but never gets mushy if toasted enough before baking. When reheating, cover loosely with foil and bake at 350 degrees until the cheese is melty again. Sometimes I sneak a cold bite straight from the fridge as a midnight snack and it still tastes like takeout.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Swap in ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version. If you only have slider rolls or hot dog buns, just tear them up and use the same way. You can skip the American cheese for extra cheddar but that nostalgic gooey melt will be missed.

Perfect Ways to Serve This

Big Mac Casserole is great on its own but amazing with a pile of oven fries or sweet potato wedges and some extra pickles on the side. For gatherings, cut into squares and serve with toothpicks for a fun party snack. Kids love this with ketchup for dunking.

This Big Mac Casserole has become the star of our busy weeknights and casual family parties. Every time we make it, someone asks for the recipe and another memory is added to the list. If you love the taste of a classic cheeseburger, this is the crave worthy comfort food you will come back to again and again.

Recipe Q&A

→ How can I keep the bun layer from getting soggy?

Toasting the bun pieces before assembling helps maintain texture. Stale buns also work best as they hold up well.

→ Can I use a different cheese besides American or cheddar?

Absolutely—Monterey Jack or Colby can add new flavors, but classic cheddar and American create familiar results.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the beef and sauce in advance. Assemble just before baking to keep layers from softening too much.

→ What toppings work well after baking?

Shredded lettuce, chopped pickles, and extra onions add freshness and crunch. Drizzle remaining sauce for extra flavor.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore cheesiness and keep the bun layer crispier.