Description
This casserole combines the iconic flavors of a Big Mac—juicy beef, tangy pickles, creamy Thousand Island dressing—with the crispy texture of tater tots and gooey melted cheese. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners, game days, or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 cup Thousand Island dressing (plus 1/4 cup for topping)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups shredded triple cheddar cheese blend
- 24 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease and remove the pan from heat.
- Mix the Beef Mixture:
- Stir in the Thousand Island dressing, mayonnaise, diced onion, diced dill pickles, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the beef is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
- Add the Tater Tots:
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Toppings:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded iceberg lettuce over the top.
- Drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup of Thousand Island dressing.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve the casserole hot. Pair with a simple side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Notes
- Meat Substitutes: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Vegetable Variations: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Custom Cheese: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheese blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American