This is a fun layered casserole that captures all the flavors of a Big Mac—juicy beef, tangy pickles and sauce, melty cheese—combined with crispy tater tots and fresh shredded lettuce on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish takes familiar burger flavors and turns them into a comforting, hearty casserole. It’s an easy weeknight meal, and the crispy tots plus the creamy “special sauce” layer make it feel indulgent without being complicated. The layering means you get a bit of everything—meat, cheese, sauce, and crunch—in each bite.

ingredients

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

2 lb lean ground beef
1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
1 ¼ cups Thousand Island (1000 Island) dressing, divided (use 1 cup in the beef mixture, reserve ¼ cup for topping)
¾ cup chopped dill pickles
3 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 tablespoon ketchup
2 teaspoon mustard
2 teaspoon onion powder
1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups mild cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
32 oz (frozen) tater tots
1 ½ cups thinly shredded lettuce
2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

directions

Preheat the oven to 425 °F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a 4‑ to 5‑quart skillet over medium‑high heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
Stir into the beef mixture: 1 cup of Thousand Island dressing, chopped pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is fully combined.
Spread the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
Place the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Be careful not to overcrowd them; leave a little space for air to circulate, so they get crispy.
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown.
Let the casserole rest a few minutes. Then spread the shredded lettuce on top of the tater tot layer.
Drizzle the remaining ¼ cup of Thousand Island dressing over the lettuce, sprinkle sesame seeds (if using), and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Makes: 8 servings
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~40 minutes
Total time: ~55 minutes

Variations

For crispier tots, you can prebake them 10 minutes before layering them on top.
Swap in sweet pickle relish instead of chopped dill pickles if you prefer a milder tang.
Use sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or even American cheese slices instead of mild cheddar for a different flavor twist.
If you want more vegetables, you could mix in diced bell pepper or a little shredded carrot into the beef layer.
For a lower‑fat version, use leaner beef or even ground turkey, and use a light or reduced‑fat mayonnaise/dressing.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place portions in a 350 °F oven until warmed through, which helps keep the tater tots crispy. If the lettuce wilts when reheated, I prefer to add fresh shredded lettuce just before serving.

FAQs

What if I don’t have Thousand Island dressing?

I sometimes make a simple version by mixing equal parts ketchup and mayonnaise, with a splash of pickle juice and a pinch of onion powder, as a substitute.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Yes — you can prepare the beef mixture and grate the cheese ahead of time and keep covered in the refrigerator. Wait to layer the tater tots and bake until you're ready to serve for best texture.

Can I freeze this casserole?

I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled version, because the tater tots may get soggy when thawed. Instead, freeze the cooked beef mixture separately for up to 2 months, then thaw and assemble fresh with tots and cheese when ready to bake.

Can I reduce the amount of tater tots or use another potato base?

Yes — you could use a smaller amount of tots, or slice potatoes thinly (like scalloped style) as a variation. Just be sure to adjust bake time so potatoes cook through.

Is there a vegetarian alternative?

You could replace the beef with a plant‑based ground “beef” alternative, or use lentils or seasoned crumbled tofu. The rest of the flavors—sauce, pickles, cheese, tots—should still shine through.

Conclusion

I hope this Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole becomes one of my go‑to comfort meals. It’s fun, flavorful, and hits all the notes of a burger night in an easy, bake‑and‑serve format. Let me know how yours turns out or if you try any of the variations!