This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is a budget-friendly twist on the classic fast food favorite. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, tater tots, and cheese, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without breaking the bank.
With food prices increasing we’ve started making more and more homemade copycats of our restaurant favorites. And, this simple recipe was a winner! The whole family loved it.
If you are looking for more copycat recipes like this one, you may also want to give this Panera Bread Turkey Chili, Chili’s Southwest Chicken Soup, or Copycat Chick-fil-a Mac and Cheese.
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Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients that you need to make this recipe. You can find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- ground chuck – You can also use lean ground beef.
- onion – I like to use a sweet onion, but a yellow onion would also work.
- diced pickles – I use dill pickles. Vlasic or Mt. Olives are my favorite brands.
- shredded cheddar cheese – I’ve found that shredding my own cheese gives me the best melting.
- diced tomatoes
- shredded lettuce
- mayonnaise
- ketchup
- yellow mustard
- Salt and black pepper
- frozen tater tots – My family prefers store-brand tater tots.
Instructions
This is an overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. The full instructions are available in the recipe card.
- In a large skillet brown the ground beef and onion until done. Don’t forget to save one tablespoon of raw onion for the sauce. Drain and season with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to create the burger sauce. Set aside.
- Lay half of the tater tots in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then spread the cooked beef on top of them.
- Lay the pickles on top of the beef, and then pour the burger sauce over the top of the pickles.
- Sprinkle half the cheese on top. Add the remaining tater tots on top of the baking dish.
- Bake in a 375-degree preheated oven for 25 – 30 minutes or until the tater tots are crispy.
- Once baked sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top the casserole.
- Finally, garnish with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and diced onions if desired.
Hint: I like to make a double batch of the burger sauce so that I can have extra to drizzle over the top of individual servings.
Storage
Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil before placing them in the fridge. Store in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing – This simple casserole is great for meal prep. Assemble the casserole and then wrap your dish in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as listed.
Reheating – You can reheat singles in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or the entire casserole in a preheated 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
Wendy’s Tips
- If you are using lean ground beef or ground turkey you may not need to drain off any excess grease.
- Spray the casserole dish well with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with shortening or softened butter as this casserole is known to stick and make a mess otherwise.
- The casserole is done when the tater tots on the top are crispy.
What To Serve With Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
My family loves to pair this casserole with a simple and healthy side dish like this Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts or a green side salad like this Antipasto Chopped Salad.
FAQs
Yes, kids love this easy and tasty casserole recipe.
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 casserole dish
- large skillet
- small bowl
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chuck
- 1 onion diced and divided
- 1 cup diced pickles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onions, reserving 1 tablespoon of raw onion for garnish.
- Cook until the onions are translucent and the ground beef is browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to create the burger sauce. Set aside.
- Place about half of the tater tots into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Then, spread the cooked ground beef evenly over the tater tots..
- Layer the diced pickles over the ground beef.
- Pour the burger sauce over the pickles and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a layer over the cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Once the tater tots are cooked, remove the casserole from the oven.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Add diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and diced onions (if using) on top of the cheese.
- Serve with additional burger sauce (homemade or store bought) if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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