Big Mac Casserole Recipe

If you crave the iconic flavors of a beloved fast food burger but want something easy, fun, and crowd-pleasing, look no further than this Big Mac Casserole. All the goodness of saucy, cheesy, pickle-y Big Macs is packed into a single baking dish for the ultimate comfort food remix. You’ll get mouthwatering layers of seasoned beef, a buttery “bun” crumble, and that legendary special sauce—plus plenty of melty cheese and fresh toppings. It’s the perfect dish for family dinners, game nights, or whenever nostalgia hits hard.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of a Big Mac Casserole plays an important part—nothing fancy, just simple supermarket staples that shine together. These ingredients not only deliver bold, classic burger flavor, but their textures—from toasty bread to crisp lettuce—keep every bite exciting.

• Ground beef (80/20): Delivers that signature juicy, beefy richness you remember from your favorite drive-thru burger.
• Onion: Finely diced for sweetness and savoriness that echoes the diced onions in a classic Big Mac.
• Garlic: Minced for a punchy, aromatic kick nestled in every forkful.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds deep, umami undertones to the beef layer—essential for that crave-worthy taste.
• Yellow mustard: A bit sharp, a bit tangy, and totally key both in the beef and special sauce.
• Salt & black pepper: Just enough to bring out all the other flavors.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: Give an extra hint of burger-shop comfort with each sprinkle.
• Hamburger buns: Torn into bite-sized bits—they become the casserole’s playful “middle bun.”
• Butter: Melted and tossed with the bun cubes for rich flavor and crispy edges.
• Sesame seeds: Sprinkled over the buns for another nod to the classic presentation.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy and luscious, forms the base of the iconic special sauce.
• Ketchup & sweet pickle relish: Ketchup gives sweetness and umami, while relish secretively boosts tanginess and zing.
• White vinegar & sugar: Balances tartness and sweetness in the sauce.
• Paprika: Brings a warm color and subtle smokiness to the special sauce.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and unmistakably “burger night” orange!
• American cheese slices: Yes, the classic singles—melt beautifully for gooey goodness.
• Shredded lettuce: The cool, crunchy crowning glory after baking—just like a real burger.
• Dill pickles & extra diced onion: Chop them small and scatter on top for a finishing zing.

How to Make Big Mac Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Savory Beef Layer

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it apart as it browns. When it’s halfway cooked through, add the diced onion and minced garlic, letting everything sizzle until the beef is no longer pink and the onions have gone soft and translucent. Drain off most of the fat—leave just enough for flavor! Stir in Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, letting the mixture simmer for a few minutes so those flavors can meld together. Set aside and bask in the aroma.

Step 2: Prepare the “Middle Bun” Layer

Preheat your oven to 350°F to get ready for all things toasty and golden. Tear your hamburger buns into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Pour over melted butter, toss with sesame seeds and garlic powder, and mix thoroughly so every morsel is coated. Spread the bun pieces on a baking sheet and toast for about 5 minutes—just until they’re lightly golden and slightly crispy (not rock-hard). This layer stands up deliciously in the casserole rather than melting away.

Step 3: Whip Up the Special Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish (don’t skip this!), yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give it a whisk until fully blended and taste for tangy-sweet perfection. This sauce is pure magic—it’s what transforms this from a basic cheeseburger casserole into a genuine Big Mac Casserole. Sneak a taste with a spoon… you know you want to.

Step 4: Assemble the Big Mac Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread half of your beef mixture on the bottom, then lay down 4 slices of American cheese for that signature gooey factor. Scatter half the chopped pickles and diced onions on top, then drizzle about a third of your special sauce over everything—you want it in every bite! Layer on all the toasted bun cubes; drizzle with another third of the special sauce. Add your remaining beef mixture, the last 4 slices of American cheese, then finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. This whole assembly gets baked, uncovered, in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling, gooey, and tantalizingly golden at the edges.

Step 5: Top and Finish

Once your Big Mac Casserole is hot and bubbly, let it cool on the counter for about 5 minutes so the layers can settle (your patience will be rewarded). Just before serving, sprinkle on the shredded lettuce, leftover pickles, and diced onions—then drizzle with that last bit of special sauce. The hot-and-cold, crispy-and-melty combo makes every forkful wildly addictive.

How to Serve Big Mac Casserole

Garnishes

To truly honor the classic burger inspiration, load your Big Mac Casserole with shredded lettuce, chopped dill pickles, extra diced onions, or a final drizzle of special sauce. For a special touch, serve with little bowls of extra pickles or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds for more texture and fun.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs with Big Mac Casserole quite like a pile of crispy air fryer fries, a plump stack of tater tots, or simple potato chips. If you’re after balance, offer a crisp, fresh salad with a zingy vinaigrette—the acidity helps cut through all that delightful richness. And for drinks, ice cold sodas or even a chocolate milkshake complete the classic drive-thru vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game days, scoop portions of Big Mac Casserole into individual ramekins or even stuff a scoop into mini sesame buns for deconstructed “sliders.” It’s a hit for potlucks and backyard barbecues. Add toothpicks and tiny flags for burger-themed fun, or make it family-style and let everyone garnish their own plate with extra sauce, lettuce, and pickles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Big Mac Casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Just let it cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. The buns may soften a little more over time, but the flavors deepen and it’s still absolutely delicious for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

Want to get ahead? You can assemble and freeze Big Mac Casserole before baking—just leave off the lettuce and final garnishes until after it bakes. Wrap your casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once baked, you can also freeze leftovers in portions for up to a month, although the texture of the bun layer may soften.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover your leftover casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 20 minutes). Individual slices can be microwaved for a couple of minutes, but for best results, use the oven to keep the cheese gooey and the bun layer from turning soggy. Add your fresh garnishes and that signature drizzle of special sauce right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! While it won’t capture the same drive-thru flavor, ground turkey or chicken makes this Big Mac Casserole lighter. You might want to add a little more Worcestershire sauce and a splash of beef broth for deeper flavor.

What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular hamburger buns for your favorite gluten-free variety, and double-check the relishes and sauces for gluten-containing ingredients. The rest of the casserole is naturally gluten-free!

Can I assemble Big Mac Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole (all but the lettuce topping), cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and pop it in the oven as directed.

What can I substitute for American cheese?

If American cheese isn’t your thing, try slices of Colby Jack, mild cheddar, or even provolone. They’ll still get pleasantly melty, though that classic orange look may be a little different.

Do I have to use special sauce, or can I swap in store-bought?

Homemade special sauce really brings Big Mac Casserole to life, but store-bought “burger sauce” will work in a pinch! The flavors might stray a bit, but you’ll still get all the creamy, tangy notes that make this dish so craveable.

Final Thoughts

I can promise you—this Big Mac Casserole brings all the best parts of your favorite burger to the dinner table with just one dish. It’s family-friendly, laughably easy, and brings out smiles all around. If you’re ready to have a little fun and chase some comfort food nostalgia, roll up your sleeves and try this recipe. Your taste buds will high-five you.

Print