Description
This Big Mac Casserole transforms the classic fast-food favorite into a comforting, homemade dish featuring ground beef, potatoes, bell peppers, and onions baked with a cheesy topping and served with a tangy, creamy burger sauce and fresh toppings. It’s a delicious twist perfect for family dinners, capturing all the flavors of a Big Mac in an easy-to-make casserole.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey/chicken
- 4 cups gold potatoes (skin on, washed and diced)
- 2 bell peppers (diced, about 2 cups)
- 1 small sweet onion (diced, about 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat or 2%)
Burger Sauce
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (more to taste)
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1.5 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt (more to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Toppings
- Iceberg or romaine lettuce (shredded)
- Tomatoes (diced)
- Dill pickles (diced or chips)
- Sweet onion (diced)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded, extra for topping if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add diced bell peppers, diced onions, minced garlic, and diced potatoes to the skillet. Stir in the seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon dijon mustard. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to mix flavors and prevent sticking.
- Continue Cooking: Remove the cover and stir the mixture. Cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to brown and soften.
- Add Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a lightly oiled 9×9-inch baking dish or keep in an oven-safe skillet. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
- Make Burger Sauce: While the casserole bakes, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
- Assemble and Serve: After the casserole cools for about 10 minutes, top it with shredded lettuce, diced onions, diced pickles, diced tomatoes, extra cheddar cheese if desired, and drizzle generously with the prepared burger sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for creaminess, or opt for 2% depending on preference.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead but add fresh toppings and sauce just before serving to keep ingredients crisp and fresh.
- Feel free to customize toppings according to your preference, such as adding more pickles or different cheese.
- Ensure potatoes are diced small enough to cook through during stovetop cooking to avoid undercooked pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
