Print

Big Mac Casserole Recipe Easy Comfort Food with Cheesy Special Sauce

Big Mac Casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy casserole inspired by the classic Big Mac burger, featuring ground beef, cheesy special sauce, and fresh shredded lettuce for a comforting and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of smoked paprika
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 8 oz egg noodles or small pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz egg noodles and cook until just al dente (7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Break up and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, fold together cooked pasta, beef mixture, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour in about three-quarters of the special sauce and stir gently to coat evenly.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Remove casserole from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle shredded iceberg lettuce evenly over the top.
  9. Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of remaining special sauce on the side.

Notes

Brown the beef properly for best flavor. Taste and adjust the special sauce seasoning as desired. Avoid overcooking noodles as they will finish cooking in the oven. If casserole seems dry, add a splash of beef broth or milk before baking. Fresh shredded lettuce added at the end provides a crisp contrast. Can be frozen before baking for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Big Mac casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, special sauce, ground beef casserole, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/big-mac-casserole-recipe-easy-comfort-food-with-cheesy-special-sauce/