Name: Big Mac Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 frozen hash brown patties; 1 onion (grated and diced), use 2 tablespoons finely grated for sauce; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 2 teaspoons white vinegar; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons mustard; 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 1/4 lb ground beef sirloin; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 onion (diced, remainder after 2 tablespoons grated); 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated (divided into 1 1/3 cups and remainder); 2 teaspoons sesame seeds; 3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce; ½ cup hamburger dill pickle slices, roughly chopped

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Introduction

Big Mac Casserole transforms the classic burger flavors into a comforting, crowd-pleasing baked dish. With crispy hash browns, savory beef, and a tangy special sauce, it’s an easy way to satisfy your Big Mac cravings without the drive-thru. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

This image shows a white square baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is made of cooked ground beef, brown and crumbly in texture, visible where a portion has been scooped out. Above the beef is a creamy layer, light beige and soft, topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese that is bright orange and slightly browned on the edges. On top of the cheese, there are thin, round pickle slices scattered evenly and some small pieces of white onion. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 frozen hash brown patties
1 onion (grated and diced)
1 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Kosher salt, divided
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
2 teaspoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 lb ground beef sirloin
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
8 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated (divided)
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
½ cup hamburger dill pickle slices, roughly chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the hash brown patties in a single layer on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Bake them until the bottoms are golden and crispy, about 25 minutes.
Step 2: While the hash browns are baking, grate 2 tablespoons of onion finely. Mix the grated onion and its juices with mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon salt, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, mustard, paprika, and onion powder. Set aside this Big Mac-style sauce.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, then crumble and continue cooking for 5 more minutes until browned. Stir in the remaining salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and the rest of the diced onion. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Stir 2/3 cup of the prepared sauce and 1 1/3 cups of grated Cheddar cheese into the beef mixture. Flip the baked hash browns so the crispy side is up. Spread the beef mixture evenly over them, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese and sesame seeds.
Step 5: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Let it stand for 5 minutes before adding the final toppings.
Step 6: Top the casserole with shredded iceberg lettuce, drizzle with the remaining sauce, and scatter the chopped dill pickles over the top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use ground chuck or a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor.
Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise to lighten the special sauce.
Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne to the beef for a subtle smoky heat.
Swap shredded iceberg lettuce with shredded romaine for a slightly different texture.
For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end instead of baking longer.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding fresh lettuce and pickles after reheating helps maintain the fresh texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white square casserole dish filled with a layered baked dish, showing three distinct layers: the bottom layer is cooked ground beef with a crumbly texture and brown color, the middle layer is creamy and soft mashed potatoes in a pale yellow shade, and the top layer is melted cheddar cheese with a golden orange color, browned slightly in some spots. On top, there are round pickle slices scattered evenly, along with small creamy white cauliflower florets for texture contrast. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to Step 4 and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Add the lettuce, sauce, and pickles just before serving to keep them fresh.

What if I can’t find hash brown patties?

You can substitute with 4 cups of frozen shredded hash browns, pressed firmly into the baking dish to form a crust. Bake a bit longer until golden and crispy.