This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole brings all the flavors of a classic Big Mac—juicy beef, tangy pickles, melty cheese, and that iconic special sauce—together in one comforting baked dish topped with golden, crispy tater tots. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and ridiculously satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this casserole transforms fast-food flavor into a cozy, home-cooked meal. It’s got all the familiar layers: seasoned beef, gooey cheese, crunchy pickles, and that unmistakable tang from Thousand Island dressing. The tater tots get perfectly golden on top, and the shredded lettuce adds a fresh crunch at the end. I also appreciate that I can prep this ahead of time for busy evenings or make it a freezer meal for later.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1¼ cups Thousand Island dressing (divide: 1 cup for filling + ¼ cup for topping)
¾ cup chopped dill pickles
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons mustard
2 teaspoons onion powder
1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups freshly shredded mild cheddar cheese
32‑ounce package frozen tater tots
1½ cups thinly shredded lettuce
2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I brown the ground beef with the chopped onion for about 6–8 minutes until the beef is no longer pink. Then, I drain the excess grease.
I stir in 1 cup of Thousand Island dressing, chopped pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until the mixture is fully combined.
I spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Then, I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
I arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese and bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the tots are golden and the casserole is bubbling.
After resting the dish for a few minutes, I top it with shredded lettuce, drizzle the remaining ¼ cup Thousand Island dressing, and sprinkle on sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 hearty servings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the cheddar for American or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor kick.
For a spicier version, I add some diced jalapeños into the beef mixture.
I’ve tried replacing the Thousand Island dressing with burger sauce or even a spicy mayo—it works beautifully.
For a lower-carb twist, I’ve swapped out the tater tots for cauliflower tots.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For reheating, I use the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes to keep the tots crispy. The microwave works too, but it softens the texture.
If I want to freeze it, I assemble the casserole unbaked, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake with an extra 10–15 minutes added to the bake time.
To keep the tots crisp, I sometimes pre-bake them for 10 minutes before adding them on top.

FAQs

How do I make this casserole ahead of time?

I assemble the casserole completely, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. I just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, I’ve used ground turkey as a leaner option. I usually add a bit more seasoning since turkey is milder in flavor.

Can I skip the lettuce on top?

Absolutely. I like the crunch it gives, but it’s totally optional. If I’m storing leftovers, I wait to add lettuce until serving.

What’s a good substitute for Thousand Island dressing?

If I don’t have Thousand Island, I mix mayo, ketchup, relish, and a splash of vinegar to mimic the flavor.

How can I keep the tater tots from getting soggy?

I make sure to bake the tots in a single layer, and I’ve found that pre-baking them for about 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole helps keep them crisp.

Conclusion

This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is my go-to when I want something nostalgic, indulgent, and easy to pull together. It’s like eating my favorite burger in casserole form—only better, because I get to enjoy it straight out of the oven with a fork. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or whenever a comfort food craving hits.