Oh my goodness, get ready for a serious hug in a dish! This Big Mac Casserole is my absolute go-to when I’m craving that classic fast-food magic but want something way more comforting and homemade. Seriously, it captures all those amazing Big Mac flavors – the savory beef, the tangy sauce, the melty cheese, all nestled with tender noodles. It’s like the burger you love, but baked into this glorious, family-friendly casserole that’s just begging to be scooped up. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Casserole
Seriously, this Big Mac Casserole is a weeknight dinner dream! Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Quick and Easy Preparation: You can whip this up in a flash, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: That signature Big Mac taste is unmistakable and loved by everyone, from kids to adults.
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s hearty, cheesy, and totally satisfying – pure comfort food bliss in every bite.
Gather Your Big Mac Casserole Ingredients
Alright, let’s get our pantry stocked for this Big Mac Casserole! Having everything ready makes the whole process so much smoother. You’ll need about a pound of good old ground beef – I usually go for 80/20, it gives it the best flavor. And for that oniony goodness, just one medium onion, finely chopped. Make sure it’s chopped up small so it blends in nicely.
Ground Beef and Aromatics
So, grab that pound of ground beef. When you’re cooking it up, make sure you get it nice and browned. For the onion, I like to chop it up pretty fine. It just disappears into the sauce better that way, you know? You don’t want big chunks, just little bits of flavor!
Flavorful Sauces and Seasonings
Now for the magic sauce part! You’ll need half a cup of dill pickle relish – this is key for that tangy zip. Then, about a quarter cup of ketchup and two tablespoons of mustard. Don’t forget a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper to season everything up just right.
The Noodle Base
We need four cups of cooked egg noodles. I love egg noodles because they’re soft and soak up all that delicious sauce. Make sure they’re cooked al dente, so they don’t get mushy in the casserole.
Cheesy Topping and Binder
For that creamy, cheesy binder that makes it all come together, you’ll mix two cups of shredded cheddar cheese with half a cup of mayonnaise. And the secret weapon? A quarter cup of Thousand Island dressing! It’s what really screams Big Mac.
Step-by-Step Big Mac Casserole Instructions
Okay, let’s get this Big Mac Casserole party started! It’s honestly so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). You’ll want to grab a good-sized skillet for the beef mixture.
Preparing the Beef Mixture
In that skillet, toss in your ground beef and the finely chopped onion. Cook it all together over medium heat until that beef is nicely browned and the onion is looking tender. Now, here’s an important bit: drain off any extra grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole, right? Once it’s drained, stir in the dill pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Let that simmer for just a couple more minutes, letting all those flavors get friendly.
Combining Casserole Components
Grab a big bowl – the biggest one you’ve got! Add your cooked egg noodles to it, then pour in that yummy beef mixture. In a separate bowl, mix up the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and that essential Thousand Island dressing. This is what makes it taste like a Big Mac! Gently fold this cheesy mixture into the noodles and beef. You don’t want to mash everything, just stir it until it’s all nicely combined and coated.
Baking Your Big Mac Casserole to Perfection
Now, get your greased 9×13 inch baking dish ready. Pour all that glorious mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s heated all the way through and that cheese on top is all melted and bubbly and maybe even a little golden brown. That’s the sign of pure deliciousness!
Resting and Serving the Big Mac Casserole
Once it comes out of the oven, resist the urge to dive right in! Let the Big Mac Casserole sit for just a few minutes. This little rest helps everything set up a bit, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart. Then, scoop it out and enjoy every single bite!
Tips for the Best Big Mac Casserole
You know, a few little tricks can really take this Big Mac Casserole from great to absolutely unforgettable. It’s all about those tiny details that make a big difference. Here are my go-to tips to make sure yours turns out perfectly every time!
Achieving the Perfect Cheesy Topping
Okay, so if you’re like me and *really* love cheese, here’s a little secret: sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese right on top before it goes into the oven. It gets all melty and golden brown, and who can resist that?
Noodle Selection for Your Big Mac Casserole
While I adore egg noodles, sometimes you just don’t have them on hand. No worries! Elbow macaroni works like a charm in this Big Mac Casserole too. Just make sure they’re cooked to that perfect al dente stage so they don’t get too soft.
Garnishing Your Big Mac Casserole
Want to make it look as good as it tastes? A few optional garnishes can really elevate this Big Mac Casserole. Try sprinkling some extra chopped pickles over the top right before serving for a little crunch and extra tang, or even a few sesame seeds for that authentic burger vibe!
Big Mac Casserole Variations
This Big Mac Casserole is fantastic as is, but you know me, I love to play around! It’s so easy to tweak it to your liking. Whether you want to sneak in some veggies or kick up the heat, this recipe is super forgiving and ready for your personal touch.
Adding Extra Vegetables
Want to sneak in some extra goodness? You can totally add some finely chopped bell peppers (any color!) or even some corn kernels along with the onions when you’re cooking the beef. It just adds another layer of flavor and a little extra color to your Big Mac Casserole.
Spice Level Adjustments
If you like things a little spicier, don’t be shy! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re cooking the beef, or even a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. Taste as you go, and adjust the salt and pepper too, depending on your preference for heat in your Big Mac Casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions about Big Mac Casserole
Got questions about this delicious Big Mac Casserole? I’ve got answers! It’s a pretty straightforward dish, but a few common things pop up, and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned from making it loads of times.
Can I make Big Mac Casserole ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! This Big Mac Casserole is a lifesaver for meal prep. You can totally assemble the whole thing, minus the baking, and keep it covered in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be going in cold. Easy peasy!
What are good side dishes for Big Mac Casserole?
Since this Big Mac Casserole is so hearty and has all those classic burger flavors, it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. A simple tossed green salad with a vinaigrette is fantastic. Some baked fries or even some crispy onion rings would be amazing if you’re really going for that full burger experience!
How do I store leftover Big Mac Casserole?
Leftovers are the best, right? Just pop any remaining Big Mac Casserole into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, you can pop a serving in the microwave or even bake it again at a lower temperature until it’s warmed through.
Nutritional Estimate for Big Mac Casserole
Just a heads-up, these numbers are an estimate, okay? Since we’re all using slightly different ingredients or amounts, your Big Mac Casserole might vary a little. But generally, one serving is around 550 calories, with about 35g of fat and 25g of protein. It’s a hearty meal, for sure!
Print
Big Mac Casserole: Pure Comfort 1 Bite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful casserole that captures the essence of a Big Mac burger in a comforting, baked dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup dill pickle relish
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups cooked egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes more.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles with the beef mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and Thousand Island dressing.
- Add the cheese mixture to the noodle and beef mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For an extra cheesy topping, add a little more cheddar cheese before baking.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni for egg noodles if preferred.
- Garnish with extra chopped pickles or sesame seeds if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 casserole serving
- Calories: Approx. 550
- Sugar: Approx. 8g
- Sodium: Approx. 900mg
- Fat: Approx. 35g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 20g
- Trans Fat: Approx. 1g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 40g
- Fiber: Approx. 2g
- Protein: Approx. 25g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 100mg
Keywords: Big Mac Casserole, beef casserole, noodle casserole, comfort food, American food, easy dinner