Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on the classic Big Mac burger, turned into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole. Ground beef, savory ketchup and mustard, melty cheese, and crispy tater tots come together to create a comfort food masterpiece that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or potlucks. If you love the iconic flavors of a Big Mac but want something a bit different, this casserole is the ultimate dish to satisfy those cravings!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in the ketchup and mustard, mixing well to combine. Once heated through, spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering the entire surface of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add Pickles: For an even closer nod to a Big Mac, top the casserole with sliced pickles after baking, just like a Big Mac burger.
- Add Lettuce: Serve the casserole with a side of shredded lettuce for a fresh crunch that mimics the lettuce in a Big Mac.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even American cheese for a different flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add a few tablespoons of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils, tofu, or meatless crumbles for a vegetarian alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. If baking from frozen, you may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
10 FAQs
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork in place of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen? Frozen tater tots are preferred for their crisp texture, but you can use fresh tots if needed. Just make sure they’re pre-cooked before adding them to the casserole.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It should be baked within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.
- Can I make this casserole spicier? Absolutely! You can add hot sauce to the beef mixture, sprinkle in red pepper flakes, or use a spicy cheese to give the casserole some extra heat.
- Do I have to use cheddar cheese? No, you can swap out the cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
- Can I add veggies to this casserole? Yes, you can add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Can I make this casserole in a smaller pan? Yes, you can use a smaller 8×8-inch baking pan, but the tater tots will need to be arranged more tightly. You may also need to adjust the cooking time based on the depth of the casserole.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? For the best results, reheat the casserole in the oven to keep the tater tots crispy. If using the microwave, cover the casserole to prevent it from drying out.
- Can I make this casserole without mustard? Yes, if you’re not a fan of mustard, you can omit it or substitute it with a tablespoon of relish or barbecue sauce for a different flavor.
- What should I serve with this casserole? This casserole is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a side of fresh salad, steamed veggies, or even some extra pickles for a Big Mac-inspired experience.
Conclusion
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is a perfect combination of comfort food and creative flair, bringing the iconic flavors of a Big Mac into a cozy, casserole form. It’s quick to prepare, customizable with a variety of toppings and add-ins, and sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing dish, this casserole will not disappoint. Enjoy the crispy tater tots, savory beef, and melty cheese that make this dish a true winner!
PrintBig Mac Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Big Mac-inspired casserole combines all the best flavors of a classic burger—beef, cheese, ketchup, and mustard—topped with crispy tater tots for the ultimate comfort food. Quick to make and full of flavor, this dish is a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the ketchup and mustard, mixing well. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a layer of pickles on top before baking to bring in that Big Mac taste.
- If you want a creamier casserole, you can stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or mayonnaise with the ketchup and mustard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes