Big Mac Casserole

There’s something about a Big Mac that hits the spot every time. The combination of savory beef, melty cheese, crunchy pickles, and that secret sauce—it’s pure comfort food. Now, imagine taking all of those flavors and transforming them into a hearty, cheesy casserole that you can enjoy with family or friends. Enter the Big Mac Casserole, a low-carb, keto-friendly meal that packs all the flavor of your favorite fast food burger, but in a cozy, satisfying dish.

The first time I made this casserole, I was skeptical. Could a dish really capture the iconic flavors of a Big Mac? After the first bite, I was hooked—and my family was too. It quickly became a weeknight staple. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want a delicious, comforting meal without the fuss.

Whether you’re following a keto diet, looking for a low-carb alternative to burgers, or simply in need of a dish that the whole family will love, this Big Mac Casserole is a must-try. It’s cheesy, it’s beefy, and yes, it has that special sauce. So, let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, this casserole comes together in no time. No fancy techniques, just layer, bake, and enjoy.
• Big Mac flavor in every bite: You’ll taste all the familiar components of a Big Mac—savory beef, creamy sauce, tangy pickles—without the bun.
• Keto and low-carb: If you’re watching your carbs, this casserole is a dream come true. It skips the bun entirely, but you won’t miss it!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish. It’s perfect for casual dinners or even meal prep for the week.
• Cheesy goodness: Let’s be real—everything tastes better with a generous layer of melted cheese on top.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Servings: 6 hearty portions

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 32g

Ingredients

For the casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15 for the best flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• ½ cup dill pickles, chopped (plus extra for topping)
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the special sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup (sugar-free if you’re keeping it keto)
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp dill pickle relish
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a little oil or butter.

2. Cook the ground beef mixture

• Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through.
• Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the beef, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the cheesy egg mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and mustard. This mixture helps to hold the casserole together and gives it a rich, custard-like texture.

4. Layer the casserole

• Beef layer: Spread the cooked beef and onion mixture evenly across the bottom of your greased casserole dish.
• Cheese layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and all of the mozzarella cheese over the beef layer. The combination of cheeses gives the casserole a gooey, melty texture with a bit of sharpness from the cheddar.
• Egg mixture: Pour the egg and cream mixture over the cheese, making sure to cover the entire surface. This will bake into a creamy, custard-like layer that holds everything together.
• Pickles: Scatter the chopped dill pickles over the top. These add that signature tangy bite that makes the Big Mac so iconic.

5. Bake the casserole

Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you want a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

6. Make the special sauce

While the casserole is baking, whisk together the ingredients for the special sauce: mayonnaise, ketchup, white vinegar, pickle relish, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust the seasoning to taste. This sauce is what ties the whole dish together, adding that creamy, tangy, slightly sweet flavor that everyone loves.

7. Garnish and serve

Once the casserole is done baking, let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the layers to set. Before serving, sprinkle the top with extra chopped pickles and sesame seeds (if using) for that full Big Mac experience. Serve generous slices with a drizzle of special sauce on top.

How to Serve

This casserole is a meal in itself, but you can amp it up with these serving suggestions:

• Over lettuce: For a complete low-carb meal, serve the casserole on a bed of shredded lettuce, creating a deconstructed burger salad.
• With keto-friendly buns: If you’re missing the bun, serve this alongside some keto-friendly dinner rolls for a more traditional burger feel.
• With fries: Pair with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or zucchini fries for a classic burger-and-fries combo, while keeping things healthier.

Additional Tips for the Best Big Mac Casserole

• Don’t skip the pickles! The dill pickles are essential for recreating that Big Mac flavor. If you’re not a fan of pickles, you could swap them for pickled jalapeños or banana peppers for a different twist.
• Use sharp cheddar: A sharp cheddar adds a nice contrast to the richness of the cream and beef. You could also mix in some Colby Jack or pepper jack for a little kick.
• Drizzle with sauce right before serving: For the best flavor, add the special sauce just before serving so it doesn’t make the casserole soggy. You could also serve the sauce on the side for people to drizzle as much or as little as they like.
• Meal prep friendly: This casserole reheats like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian option: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. Add extra seasonings like smoked paprika and cumin to boost the flavor.
• Spicy Big Mac Casserole: If you like a little heat, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
• Gluten-free: This casserole is naturally gluten-free, but if you’re extra sensitive to gluten, make sure your Worcestershire sauce and pickles are certified gluten-free.
• Bacon lovers: Add crumbled turkey bacon or beef bacon to the beef mixture for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can also freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Special Equipment

• Casserole dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for this recipe, giving the layers enough room to cook evenly.
• Whisk: You’ll need a whisk to blend the eggs, cream, and mustard together for a smooth, creamy mixture.
• Skillet: A large skillet is essential for browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pickles?

Absolutely! Store-bought dill pickles work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to use dill pickles rather than sweet ones to keep that classic Big Mac flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and follow the same instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Is this casserole keto-friendly?

Yes! This casserole is low in carbs and high in fat, making it ideal for a keto diet. Just be sure to use sugar-free ketchup in the special

sauce to keep it keto.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this Big Mac Casserole! It’s become a favorite in my house because it delivers all the flavors of a classic burger, but in a warm, cheesy, comforting bake. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just looking for a delicious, family-friendly meal, this casserole checks all the boxes. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your creations!

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