Description
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is a fun, family-friendly dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, creamy burger-style sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots, all topped with fresh lettuce and a drizzle of dressing for a true burger-inspired finish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing (for topping)
- 3/4 cup chopped dill pickles
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- 1 1/2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in 1 cup Thousand Island dressing, chopped pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Top with shredded lettuce, drizzle with remaining dressing, and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired before serving.
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter option.
- Add American cheese slices under the tater tots for extra cheesiness.
- Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for best texture.
- Freeze assembled (without lettuce) for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
