Are you ready to take your taste buds on a nostalgic journey with a fun twist? Introducing the Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole—a mouthwatering mashup that combines the iconic flavors of a classic Big Mac with the comfort of crispy tater tots! Perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings, this dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up this cheesy, savory delight that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite at your table!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup pickles, chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and the tater tots become crispy.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the 1 lb of ground beef. Cook the beef until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. Then, sprinkle the packet of onion soup mix over the beef and mix well to combine. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef mixture with 1/2 cup of chopped pickles, 1/2 cup of ketchup, and 1/4 cup of mustard. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, distributing it evenly.
- Next, take the bag of frozen tater tots and layer them evenly over the cheese. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a crispy topping.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sesame seeds over the tater tots for an added crunch and flavor.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit.
- Cut the casserole into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole with additional pickles or condiments if desired!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just layer it with the cheese and tater tots right before baking!
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Add diced tomatoes, lettuce, or even a drizzle of special sauce on top before serving for an extra Big Mac flair.
- Crispy Tater Tots: For the crispiest tater tots, make sure they are evenly spread out in the baking dish. Overlapping them can result in sogginess.
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. If the tater tots are golden brown before the time is up, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Serve with Style: Garnish your casserole with extra pickles and a side of ketchup and mustard for dipping to enhance that classic burger experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 398kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 57mg
