big mac casserole recipe

big mac casserole recipe

The Best big mac casserole recipe

I first discovered the Big Mac Casserole recipe on a popular food blog several years ago. It was love at first sight – or rather, taste.

The combination of ground beef, macaroni, and cheese sauce was a game-changer. My kids were picky eaters at the time, but they devoured this casserole without complaint.

I made it for my family’s weekly dinner night, and it quickly became a staple in our household. I’ve since tweaked the recipe to suit my family’s tastes, and it remains one of our go-to comfort foods to this day.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make – even my kids can help with the prep work!

As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe requires minimal fuss and can be prepared in under an hour. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this Big Mac Casserole is sure to hit the spot.

Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy considering its rich flavor profile – just be sure to use whole-wheat pasta and lean ground beef for an added nutritional boost.

Big Mac Casserole

Big Mac Casserole

4.7 from 1418 votes

This Big Mac Casserole captures the classic flavors of a Big Mac in a comforting casserole form. Ground beef, cheese, and a special sauce come together for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup diced pickles
1 cup diced tomatoes

For the Special Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp yellow mustard
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp sugar

For the Topping

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup diced pickles
1/4 cup diced tomatoes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat.
3Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4Drain excess fat.
5Add diced onions to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
6Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
7Remove from heat.
8In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and sugar.
9Mix well until smooth.
10In a baking dish, layer the ground beef mixture evenly.
11Spread the special sauce over the beef mixture.
12Top with shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, diced pickles, and diced tomatoes.
13Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
14Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add a layer of crispy fried onions on top for extra crunch.

Watch Video Of How Big Mac Casserole Works

This Big Mac Casserole recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m confident it’ll become one in yours too! It’s perfect for family gatherings or weeknight meals alike.

To store leftovers safely, simply let them cool completely before refrigerating within two hours or freezing within an hour. Reheating is easy – just microwave individual portions until hot and serve with some crusty bread or a side salad for added nutrition.

When serving large groups, consider dividing this casserole into smaller portions using mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for an adorable presentation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Big Mac Casserole

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of pasta you like, but macaroni is the most traditional choice for this casserole. If you prefer a different shape or texture, feel free to experiment and find your favorite alternative.

Q: Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef?

A: Yes, you can definitely swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner protein option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the size of your meatballs or chunks.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from becoming too browned during baking?

A: To avoid over-browning your cheese topping, try covering the casserole with aluminum foil for most of the baking time and then removing it during the last 10-15 minutes to allow it to brown slightly.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: While you can prepare all the components ahead of time, it’s best to assemble and bake the casserole on the same day for optimal flavor and texture.

Q: What if I don’t have American cheese slices on hand?

A: Feel free to substitute other types of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar if you don’t have American cheese available – just keep in mind that your flavor profile may vary slightly.

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