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If cheeseburgers and crispy potatoes are always a hit at your house, this Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole deserves a spot on the dinner rotation. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, fun enough for game day, and loaded with familiar flavors the whole family can dig into.

Grab the ground beef and a bag of tater tots and let’s make dinner!

Spoonful of Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole with crispy tater tots, creamy ground beef, lettuce, pickles, dressing, and sesame seeds.

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Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole turns all those familiar cheeseburger flavors into an easy, family-friendly dinner. Seasoned ground beef, pickles, creamy burger sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots come together in one seriously satisfying casserole.

If you love a good cheeseburger but don’t feel like standing over the stove making individual burgers, this Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is the answer. It has the beef, cheese, pickles, lettuce, and creamy tangy sauce you’d expect, with a layer of golden tater tots standing in for the bun.

And really, adding crispy potatoes to a cheeseburger situation is rarely a bad decision. 😅

This is exactly the kind of dinner I love for busy nights. The beef mixture comes together quickly on the stovetop, then the oven does the rest of the work. Add the fresh toppings just before serving and dinner is ready!

Table of Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy weeknight dinner. It takes about 15 minutes to get everything ready for the oven.
  • Family-friendly. Ground beef, cheese, crispy tater tots, and familiar burger flavors make this an easy crowd-pleaser.
  • Big Mac-inspired flavor. Pickles, onions, cheese, lettuce, sesame seeds, and creamy Thousand Island dressing give you those classic flavors in casserole form.
  • Crispy tater tot topping. A layer of golden tater tots makes this cheeseburger casserole extra satisfying.
  • Easy to customize. Change the cheese, add more pickles, spice it up, or pile on your favorite burger toppings.
  • Great for leftovers. Reheat individual portions for an easy lunch or dinner the next day.

What is Big Mac Casserole With Tater Tots

A Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is a cheeseburger-inspired ground beef casserole topped with crispy tater tots instead of a bun.

For this version, seasoned ground beef and onions are mixed with dill relish, mayonnaise, ketchup, Thousand Island dressing, and cheddar cheese. The beef mixture gets another layer of cheese and plenty of frozen tater tots before going into the oven.

Once those tots are crispy and golden, the casserole gets the finishing touches: shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, more dressing, and sesame seeds.

It’s basically burger night and tater tot casserole rolled into one easy dinner.

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for plenty of flavor. Be sure to drain the beef well after browning so the finished casserole isn’t greasy. Lean ground beef also works.

Onion: Cooking diced onion with the beef adds flavor throughout the casserole. Yellow or white onion works well.

Dill Pickle Relish: Dill relish gives the beef mixture the pickle flavor you expect from a Big Mac-inspired recipe. You can also finely chop dill pickles if that’s what you have on hand.

Ketchup and Mayonnaise: These two ingredients add creaminess, tang, and a touch of sweetness to the beef mixture while helping create that classic burger-sauce flavor.

Thousand Island Dressing: Thousand Island dressing is an easy shortcut for bringing creamy, tangy burger-sauce flavor to the casserole. It goes into the beef mixture and is also delicious drizzled over the finished dish.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar adds plenty of cheesy flavor and melts beautifully. Medium cheddar, Colby Jack, or American cheese can also be used.

Frozen Tater Tots: Keep the tater tots frozen until you’re ready to assemble the casserole. Arrange enough in a single layer to cover the casserole. Depending on the size and shape of your baking dish, you may not need the entire bag.

Burger Toppings: Shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, Thousand Island dressing, and sesame seeds finish the casserole and give it the full cheeseburger treatment.

Ingredients for Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole arranged in bowls with ground beef, tater tots, cheese, lettuce, relish, sauces, onion, and seasonings.

Ingredients & Substitutions

NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

  • Ground beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for plenty of flavor. Drain it well after cooking so the casserole isn’t greasy. Lean ground beef also works. You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken, although the finished dish will have a slightly different flavor.
  • Onion: Diced onion cooks with the ground beef and adds savory flavor throughout the casserole. Yellow, white, or red onion will work. If you don’t have fresh onion, you can use onion powder instead.
  • Garlic powder: Adds garlic flavor without needing to chop fresh garlic. You can substitute 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic and cook it briefly with the beef and onion.
  • Salt and black pepper: These simple seasonings bring out the flavors in the beef mixture. Adjust both to taste.
  • Dill pickle relish: This adds the tangy pickle flavor that helps give the casserole its Big Mac-inspired taste. Finely chopped dill pickles are an easy substitute.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess to the ground beef filling. You can substitute sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, but either will give the casserole a slightly tangier flavor.
  • Ketchup: Adds sweetness, acidity, and classic burger flavor. Regular ketchup works best, but you can use your favorite variety.
  • Thousand Island dressing: This is an easy shortcut for adding creamy, tangy burger-sauce flavor. Your favorite homemade or store-bought burger sauce can be substituted. Keep a little extra dressing on hand for drizzling over the finished casserole.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar gives the casserole plenty of cheesy flavor. Medium cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or American cheese can also be used.
  • Frozen tater tots: These create the crispy potato topping. Keep them frozen until you’re ready to assemble the casserole. You’ll need enough to cover the top in a single layer, so you may not use the entire 32-ounce bag. Frozen sweet potato tots can also be used for a different spin.
  • Shredded lettuce: Adds a cool, crisp contrast to the hot casserole. Iceberg or romaine lettuce works especially well. Add it only after the casserole comes out of the oven.
  • Dill pickles: Sliced dill pickles add extra crunch and tanginess. Use your favorite dill pickle slices or chips.
  • Sesame seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds gives the finished casserole another nod to a classic sesame seed burger bun. They can be omitted if you don’t have them.

Variations

  • Make it spicy. Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
  • Add bacon. Because apparently we needed another reason to love this casserole. 😅 Cooked and crumbled bacon can be mixed into the beef or sprinkled over the top.
  • Change the cheese. Try Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, American cheese, or a combination of cheeses.
  • Add more burger toppings. Diced tomatoes or additional chopped onions are easy additions.
  • Use ground turkey. Substitute ground turkey for the beef if you prefer.
  • Add extra pickles. If you’re a pickle person, add chopped dill pickles to the filling in addition to the relish and pile more slices on top.
  • Try sweet potato tots. Use frozen sweet potato tots for a slightly different flavor.
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole served on a white plate with golden tater tots, pickles, burger sauce, and sesame seeds.

Tips for Best Results

  • Drain the beef well. This keeps the casserole from becoming overly greasy.
  • Don’t thaw the tater tots. Add them straight from the freezer.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese. It generally melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Keep the tots in a single layer. Use enough to cover the casserole without piling them on top of each other. You may not need the entire bag.
  • Add the lettuce after baking. You want it cool and crisp, not warm and wilted.
  • Wait to garnish leftovers. If you know you’ll have leftovers, garnish individual servings rather than the entire casserole. That makes reheating much easier.
  • Give it a few minutes to rest. Letting the casserole sit briefly after baking makes it easier to scoop and serve.

FAQs

Can I make Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the beef filling and refrigerate it in the baking dish for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese and frozen tater tots just before baking for the best texture.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

No. Use the tater tots straight from the freezer. Thawing them first can make them softer and less crispy.

Do I need to use the entire bag of tater tots?

No. Use enough frozen tater tots to cover the casserole in a single layer. Depending on the size and shape of your baking dish, you may have some left in the bag.

Can I use lean ground beef?

Absolutely. Lean ground beef works well in this recipe. If you’re using 80/20 beef, be sure to drain it thoroughly after cooking.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for the beef, although the finished casserole won’t have quite the same classic cheeseburger flavor.

How do I keep the tater tots crispy?

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer and don’t overcrowd them. Bake the casserole uncovered until the tots are golden and crisp.

Can I use Big Mac sauce instead of Thousand Island dressing?

Yes. Your favorite homemade or store-bought burger sauce can be used in place of Thousand Island dressing. Keep in mind that the flavor will vary depending on the sauce you choose.

Should I put the lettuce on the whole casserole?

If you’re serving the entire casserole right away, go for it. If you expect leftovers, I recommend adding lettuce and the other fresh garnishes to individual servings instead. That way, you can reheat the casserole without dealing with warm, wilted lettuce.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For the best results, store fresh toppings such as lettuce and pickles separately from the casserole.

Reheating

The oven or air fryer will give you the best texture because they help crisp the tater tots again.

To reheat in the oven, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and heat at 350°F until warmed through.

For individual portions, you can also use the microwave. The tater tots won’t be quite as crispy, but it’s quick and easy.

Add fresh lettuce, pickles, dressing, and sesame seeds after reheating.

Can You Freeze Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes. For best results, freeze the casserole without the fresh garnishes.

Allow the cooked casserole to cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add fresh lettuce, pickles, dressing, and sesame seeds after the casserole is hot.

Quick Steps

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

  1. Cook the beef and onion. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion, then drain the excess grease.
  2. Season it. Add the garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
  3. Make the filling. Combine the beef mixture with dill relish, mayonnaise, ketchup, Thousand Island dressing, and half of the cheddar cheese.
  4. Assemble the casserole. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the baking dish.
  5. Add the toppings. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and arrange enough frozen tater tots in a single layer to cover the top.
  6. Bake. Bake until the casserole is hot and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  7. Finish it off. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, Thousand Island dressing, and sesame seeds just before serving.

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Raw ground beef and diced onion in a cast-iron skillet for Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole.
Cooked ground beef and onion in a cast-iron skillet for Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole.
Cooked seasoned ground beef and onion transferred to a glass mixing bowl.
Cooked ground beef with shredded cheddar, mayonnaise, ketchup, Thousand Island dressing, and dill relish in a mixing bowl.
Creamy ground beef and cheese mixture combined for Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole.
Big Mac ground beef mixture spread evenly in a square glass casserole dish.
Shredded cheddar cheese layered over the ground beef mixture in a casserole dish.
Frozen tater tots arranged in a single layer over the cheese and ground beef filling.
Baked Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole topped with pickles, shredded lettuce, Thousand Island dressing, and sesame seeds.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the beef mixture up to 24 hours ahead.

Cook and season the ground beef and onions, then combine them with the relish, mayonnaise, ketchup, dressing, and cheese. Transfer the mixture to your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate.

When you’re ready to bake, add the remaining cheese and frozen tater tots.

Since the filling will be cold from the refrigerator, the casserole may need a little additional baking time. Bake until the filling is hot throughout and the tater tots are crisp and golden.

Wait until serving to add the lettuce, pickles, extra dressing, and sesame seeds.

What to Serve With Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole already has beef, potatoes, and cheese, so I like to keep the sides simple.

A green salad, steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or fresh vegetables all work well. You can also skip the side altogether and pile a little extra shredded lettuce and pickles on top.

For game day or a casual get-together, serve smaller portions alongside other appetizers and finger foods.

If You Enjoyed Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

If you enjoyed this Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole, try my Big Mac Sloppy Joes for another easy dinner packed with those familiar burger flavors. Big Mac Pizza puts another fun spin on the classic, while Big Mac Egg Rolls turn those same flavors into a crispy appetizer or snack.

For more tater tot goodness, don’t miss my Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole or Loaded Tater Tot Casserole. And if easy cheeseburger-inspired dinners are what you’re craving, my One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is another family-friendly option worth adding to your menu.

Looking for even more easy dinner inspiration? Be sure to browse my Recipe Index, where you’ll find plenty of casseroles, ground beef recipes, family-friendly dinners, and comfort food favorites.

Close-up of a bite of Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole on a fork with a crispy tater tot, creamy beef filling, lettuce, and sesame seeds.

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Overhead view of Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole topped with crispy tater tots, dill pickles, shredded lettuce, burger sauce, and sesame seeds.
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Servings: 6 servings

Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

By Jamie Sherman
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, pickles, burger sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots for an easy family dinner packed with cheeseburger flavor.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ cup dill pickle relish
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 cup Thousand Island dressing, plus more for serving
  • ½ cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 bag frozen tater tots, (32 ounces), as needed
  • shredded lettuce, for serving
  • sliced dill pickles, for serving
  • additional Thousand Island dressing, for serving
  • sesame seeds, for serving

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion, breaking the beef apart as it cooks, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain the excess grease.
    2 pounds ground beef, 1 cup diced onion
  • Season the beef mixture with the garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
    1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Transfer the beef mixture to a medium mixing bowl. Add the dill relish, mayonnaise, ketchup, Thousand Island dressing, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
    ¼ cup dill pickle relish, ¼ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup ketchup, 1 cup Thousand Island dressing, ½ cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Spread the beef mixture evenly in an 8×8-inch casserole dish.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Arrange enough frozen tater tots to cover the top of the casserole in a single layer. You may not need the entire bag.
    ½ cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 bag frozen tater tots
  • Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the casserole from the oven. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, an additional drizzle of Thousand Island dressing, and sesame seeds.
    shredded lettuce, sliced dill pickles, additional Thousand Island dressing, sesame seeds
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

🥡 Storage

  • Store leftover Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • For the best results, store the lettuce and other fresh toppings separately.

♨️ Reheating

  • Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 350°F oven until the center reaches 165°F.
  • Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave until heated through to 165°F.
  • Add fresh lettuce, pickles, Thousand Island dressing, and sesame seeds after reheating.

❄️ Freezing

  • Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze without the fresh toppings for up to 2-3 months.
  • For the best results, thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until the center reaches 165°F. Remove the foil during the last few minutes of reheating to help the tater tots crisp up again.
  • To reheat directly from frozen, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F until the center reaches 165°F. Remove the foil toward the end of the reheating time so the tater tots can crisp.
  • Add fresh lettuce, pickles, Thousand Island dressing, and sesame seeds after reheating.

💡 Tips

  • Drain the ground beef well after cooking to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
  • Keep the tater tots frozen until you’re ready to assemble the casserole.
  • Arrange the tater tots in a single layer so they get golden and crispy.
  • You may not need the entire 32-ounce bag of tater tots. Use enough to evenly cover the top of the casserole.
  • Add the lettuce and other fresh toppings just before serving.

🍳 Alternate Methods

Air Fryer: For a smaller batch, assemble the casserole in an air fryer-safe baking dish that fits comfortably inside your air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F until the filling is hot and the tater tots are golden and crispy, checking early since air fryer models vary. The center of the casserole should reach 165°F before serving. Add the lettuce, pickles, Thousand Island dressing, and sesame seeds after cooking.

♻️ Leftovers

  • Turn leftovers into an easy cheeseburger bowl. Reheat a portion of the casserole and serve it over shredded lettuce with extra pickles and a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing.

📝 Notes

  • If you expect to have leftovers, add the lettuce, pickles, Thousand Island dressing, and sesame seeds to individual servings instead of garnishing the entire casserole. This keeps the fresh toppings crisp and makes the casserole easier to store and reheat.

Nutrition

Calories: 1007kcal, Carbohydrates: 57g, Protein: 35g, Fat: 72g, Saturated Fat: 21g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g, Monounsaturated Fat: 25g, Trans Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 141mg, Sodium: 1854mg, Potassium: 972mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 409IU, Vitamin C: 13mg, Calcium: 200mg, Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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