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Cheesy Big Mac Casserole

A warm, cheesy casserole packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, crisp pickles, onion, shredded lettuce, and creamy Big Mac-style burger sauce. It delivers classic cheeseburger flavor in one beginner-friendly baking dish.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1½ pounds ground beef, preferably 85% to 90% lean
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
For the Cheese Layer
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Big Mac-Style Sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
  • 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • ⅓ cup chopped dill pickles
  • ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
  • 9 × 13-inch baking dish
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cheese grater, optional

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
  2. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 7 to 9 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the beef reaches 160°F (71°C). Drain excess grease.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons ketchup, and 1 tablespoon mustard. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Stir the mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, finely chopped pickles, pickle juice, and paprika together until smooth. Refrigerate while the casserole cooks.
  5. Transfer the seasoned beef to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  6. Scatter 2 cups shredded cheddar evenly over the beef without pressing it down.
  7. Bake uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbling. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if you want a lightly browned top.
  8. Scatter the chopped pickles and diced onion over the hot casserole. Add shredded lettuce, drizzle with the chilled burger sauce, and finish with sesame seeds if using.
  9. Leave the casserole on the counter for 5 minutes before cutting or scooping into portions.

Notes

  • Drain the ground beef well so the finished casserole does not become greasy.
  • Freshly shredded cheddar usually melts more smoothly, but packaged shredded cheese also works.
  • Add the lettuce only after baking so it stays cool and crisp.
  • For more tang in the sauce, add up to 1 extra teaspoon pickle juice.
  • Ground turkey can replace the beef. Cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and keep fresh toppings separate when possible.
  • For make-ahead preparation, assemble the beef and cheese layers up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate, then bake when ready.
  • Freeze the cooked beef-and-cheese portion without the fresh toppings or sauce for up to 2 months.