If you love the classic flavors of a Big Mac and the crispy comfort of tater tots, you’re in for a delicious surprise! This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole combines the signature taste of a Big Mac with the crunch of tater tots, creating a mouthwatering dish that will hit the spot.
Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this casserole is bound to impress. Let’s walk through the recipe step by step to create this irresistible dish.
Why This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Works
This dish is a delicious collision of diner-style comfort food and nostalgic fast-food flavor. It brings all the iconic elements of a Big Mac—zesty pickles, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and seasoned ground beef—together under a golden layer of crispy tater tots.
What makes it so craveable is the play of textures and tastes: melty, cheesy layers with just the right crunch on top. It’s a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a treat but is easy enough for a busy weeknight.
Pro Tips for the best Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
- Pop the tater tots in the oven for 10 minutes before adding them—this gives the top layer that extra crunch everyone fights over.
- Go for a combo of shredded cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey, flavorful melt.
- Want a fresh spin? Tuck a layer of sliced tomatoes beneath the tots for a nod to that Big Mac freshness.
- Don’t leave out the shredded lettuce on top—seriously, it adds that cool, crisp bite that rounds it all out.
- Make double and stash one in the freezer before baking—it’s a lifesaver for nights when you just can’t be bothered to cook.
Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6-8
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Oven
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced dill pickle
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded triple cheddar cheese blend
- 24 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing (for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain and mix: Remove the skillet from heat and drain any excess fat. Return the skillet to the stove and reduce to low heat. Stir in Thousand Island dressing, mayonnaise, diced onion, pickles, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the casserole: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Add tater tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer across the top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Top and serve: Remove from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Then sprinkle shredded lettuce over the top and drizzle with the remaining Thousand Island dressing. Serve warm!
Tips and Variations:
- For a lighter option, swap ground beef for ground turkey.
- Add a spicy twist by mixing in diced jalapeños with the beef.
- For extra cheesiness, top the tater tots with more shredded cheese before baking.
- Customize with your favorite toppings like sliced tomatoes, chopped onions, or crispy bacon bits!

Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole blends the iconic flavors of a Big Mac with the crispy delight of tater tots, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced dill pickle
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded triple cheddar cheese blend
- 24 oz frozen tater tots
For the topping:
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain and mix: Remove the skillet from heat and drain any excess fat. Return the skillet to the stove and reduce to low heat. Stir in Thousand Island dressing, mayonnaise, diced onion, pickles, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the casserole: Spoon the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Add tater tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer across the top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
- Top and serve: Remove from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes. Then sprinkle shredded lettuce over the top and drizzle with the remaining Thousand Island dressing. Serve warm!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes