A delightful twist on the classic Big Mac, this tater tot casserole combines the flavors of a beloved fast food favorite with the comfort of a hearty casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Big Mac tater tot casserole is a delicious and fun way to enjoy the flavors of a Big Mac in a comforting casserole form. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is a hit with both kids and adults. The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, crispy tater tots, and classic Big Mac toppings creates a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- Shredded lettuce, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the diced pickles and Thousand Island dressing. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
- Transfer the beef mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots begin to brown and crisp up.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Set the oven to broil and return the casserole to the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Drizzle a little more Thousand Island dressing over the top.
- Garnish with shredded lettuce just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Kcal: 450 per serving
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Recipe Tips:
For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top of the casserole before serving. You can also customize the toppings to include diced tomatoes, chopped onions, or even a drizzle of additional Thousand Island dressing for those who can’t get enough of that classic Big Mac flavor.
Enjoy this delicious Big Mac tater tot casserole and watch it become a new family favorite! It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.