If you’re a fan of the iconic fast-food burger but want something easier, heartier, and maybe even a little healthier—Big Mac Casserole is calling your name.

This comforting dish takes all the bold, familiar flavors of a Big Mac—savory ground beef, tangy pickles, creamy cheese, and that crave-worthy “special sauce”—and bakes them into a bubbly, satisfying casserole. Think: all the taste of your favorite drive-thru order, without the bun, and with way less fuss.

It’s a perfect weeknight dinner option for:

Busy families who need quick, filling meals
Picky eaters who love classic flavors
Low-carb lovers craving comfort food without the guilt

Whether you’re doing meal prep, looking for something different for game day, or simply want to feed a crowd, this casserole delivers that nostalgic fast-food flavor—with a homemade twist.

Big Mac Casserole Ingredients Breakdown

What makes this casserole so irresistible? It’s all about the layers of flavor and familiar ingredients that mimic your favorite burger.

Core Ingredients:

Ground beef – rich, juicy, and meaty base
Dill pickles – that signature tang and crunch
Cheddar cheese – melty, creamy, and sharp
Big Mac-style sauce – a homemade blend of mayo, mustard, ketchup, and relish

Together, these create a flavor-packed dish that’s both comforting and craveable.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor:

Sautéed onions – add depth and sweetness
Crispy bacon – for smoky richness
Sliced tomatoes – brighten the dish (but add them after baking)

Bold Tip: Use dill pickles—not sweet! They’re what gives this casserole that authentic Big Mac zing.

The best part? These ingredients are pantry and fridge staples, making this a go-to when you want something delicious without a special trip to the store.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Big Mac Casserole

This Big Mac Casserole is surprisingly simple to put together. Here’s how to make it happen:

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of paprika if you like. Drain excess grease to keep things from getting soggy.

Optional: Stir in diced onions or chopped pickles at this stage for extra flavor.

Step 2: Prep the Sauce

While the beef is cooking, mix up your homemade Big Mac sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon sweet relish
Optional: splash of vinegar, pinch of paprika

Stir it all together and taste-test—you’re looking for a tangy, creamy blend.

Step 3: Layer It Up

In a greased 9×13 baking dish:

Spread the cooked beef on the bottom.
Drizzle with half the special sauce.
Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese (or your cheese of choice).
Add a layer of diced pickles for that signature bite.

Repeat a second layer if desired or double the batch for a crowd.

Step 4: Bake It

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Optional Toppings After Baking:

Shredded lettuce – for crunch and freshness
Sesame seeds – to mimic the classic Big Mac bun
Extra drizzle of sauce – always welcome!

This dish is rich, savory, and satisfies every burger craving—no bun required.

Big Mac Casserole Sauce: The Secret Flavor Weapon

Let’s be honest—the special sauce is what makes the Big Mac… well, the Big Mac. And good news: it’s super easy to make at home.

Classic Homemade Big Mac Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp sweet pickle relish

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½ tsp white vinegar (optional)
Dash of paprika or garlic powder (for added depth)

Mix everything in a bowl until smooth. Adjust to taste—more relish for sweetness, more mustard for tang.

Shortcut Tip: You can also use Thousand Island dressing in a pinch, though it won’t have quite the same zip.

Make extra—you’ll want it on fries, sandwiches, and everything else in your fridge.

Is Big Mac Casserole Healthy? Nutrition & Lightened-Up Swaps

Big Mac Casserole is hearty and satisfying, but you can definitely make it work for your nutritional goals—especially if you’re low-carb or keto.

Estimated Nutritional Info (per serving):

Calories: ~400–500
Protein: High, thanks to beef and cheese
Carbs: Low if skipping buns or pasta
Fat: Moderate to high (can be reduced with lean meat and light cheese)

Healthier Swaps to Try:

Lean ground beef or turkey – lowers fat content
Reduced-fat cheese – still melty, but lighter
Lettuce base – serve it on a bed of shredded iceberg or romaine for crunch
Dairy-free cheese – makes it friendly for lactose-sensitive eaters

Want to go gluten-free? Just double-check your relish and ketchup labels for hidden gluten ingredients.

Big Mac Casserole Variations You’ll Want to Try

One of the best things about Big Mac Casserole is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun and tasty spins on the classic version:

Keto Big Mac Casserole
Ditch the buns and use sugar-free ketchup and relish. Add more cheese and maybe even a layer of scrambled eggs for a keto breakfast twist.
With Tater Tots or Hash Browns
Add a crispy potato base or top your casserole with golden tater tots. It’s rich, filling, and totally kid-approved.
Big Mac Pasta Casserole
Want more comfort? Stir cooked elbow macaroni or penne into the beef mixture before baking. It becomes a creamy, cheesy burger-pasta hybrid.
Big Mac Sloppy Joe Bake
Make the beef mixture extra saucy and loose, then spoon it into a baking dish and top with shredded cheese and pickles. Great on buns or by itself.
Big Mac Casserole with Crescent Rolls
Press crescent roll dough into the bottom of your baking dish, layer on the fillings, then bake. It adds a buttery, flaky foundation that’s irresistible.

Pro Tip: These variations are perfect for switching things up week to week—no one gets bored!

What to Serve With Big Mac Casserole

Looking to round out your meal? Here are some simple, tasty sides that pair perfectly:

Crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness
Roasted broccoli or cauliflower for something healthy and hands-off
Pickle spears or coleslaw enhance that classic burger vibe
Air fryer fries or onion rings if you’re leaning into the fast-food feel

This casserole is the star of the show, so your sides can stay light and easy.

How to Store and Reheat Big Mac Casserole

Big Mac Casserole is not just tasty—it’s practical, too.

Make-Ahead Tip:

Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time.

Fridge Storage:

Leftovers keep well for 3–4 days in an airtight container. The flavor actually deepens over time!

Freezer-Friendly:

You can freeze it fully cooked or unbaked. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It lasts up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating:

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven, covered, for 15–20 minutes. To avoid dryness, add a small splash of water or extra sauce before reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is pretty foolproof, here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

Overcooking the beef
Cook it just until browned—overcooked beef can taste dry and crumbly.
Skipping the sauce layer
The sauce is key to that Big Mac flavor. Don’t leave it out or underdo it.
Not draining the grease
A greasy casserole won’t set up well and can taste heavy.
Using sweet pickles instead of dill
Bold Warning: Sweet pickles totally throw off the flavor. Stick with dill for that sharp, signature bite.

Following these tips keeps the texture and taste spot-on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you freeze Big Mac Casserole?
Yes! Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in foil or a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How do you make Big Mac Casserole keto-friendly?
Skip any bread or crescent rolls, use full-fat dairy, and opt for a sugar-free version of the sauce. Serve over lettuce for a burger bowl vibe.

What is the best cheese for Big Mac Casserole?
Cheddar is the classic choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack or a cheddar blend for extra creaminess. Sharp cheddar adds a bold bite that complements the sauce.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Definitely! Ground turkey works great and lightens up the dish. Just be sure to season it well and maybe add a little Worcestershire sauce for richness.

Is Big Mac Casserole gluten-free?
It can be! Just skip any crescent dough or pasta, and double-check that your ketchup, relish, and mustard are certified gluten-free.

Big Mac Casserole

Masters Of Kitchen

This Big Mac Casserole captures all the crave-worthy flavors of the classic fast-food burger—seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, tangy pickles, and special sauce—all baked into a comforting, low-carb casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 19

Total Time 34

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

Large Skillet
9x13” baking dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Aluminum foil (for storing or covering if needed)

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds ground beef
Salt & pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheese blend
½ cup dill pickles chopped
½ cup diced onions optional
2 tablespoons sesame seeds optional topping
1 cup shredded lettuce for garnish after baking

For the Big Mac Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
½ teaspoon white vinegar
Dash of paprika optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain any excess grease.
If using, stir in the diced onions and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, and paprika to make the special sauce.
Spread the cooked beef evenly in the baking dish. Drizzle with half of the sauce and sprinkle with chopped pickles.
Top with shredded cheese and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with shredded lettuce and sesame seeds before serving.
Serve with extra sauce on the side, if desired.

Notes

Make it keto: Use sugar-free ketchup and relish in the sauce.
Switch up the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Want more crunch? Add crumbled cooked bacon or a hash brown crust.
Freezer tip: Fully cool before freezing. Wrap well and freeze up to 2 months.
Best enjoyed fresh with crisp lettuce added after baking for the full “burger” feel.

Keyword big mac casserole, Cheeseburger Casserole, easy weeknight casserole, keto friendly, Low-Carb Dinner