Big Mac Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheese Sauce
A hearty baked casserole that captures all the flavors of a Big Mac burger in comfort food form. Ground beef seasoned with Worcestershire and vinegar gets topped with a tangy sauce made from mayo, sugar-free ketchup, and mustard, then blanketed with melted cheddar and mozzarella. Fresh lettuce and pickles added after baking provide the signature crunch and bright flavor that makes this dish instantly recognizable. Perfect for family dinners when you want familiar flavors in a new format.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
- ½ cup pickles, diced
- ½ cup unsweetened dill pickle relish
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar-free ketchupregular ketchup1:1standard
adds carbs
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Brown ground beef with onion and garlic in large skillet over medium-high heat, season with salt and pepper until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent, drain excess fat
- 3
Stir Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar into beef mixture, cook for additional 2 minutes
- 4
Transfer beef mixture to greased 9x13 inch baking dish
- 5
Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, mustard, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder in small bowl
- 6
Spread sauce evenly over beef mixture in baking dish
- 7
Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over sauce layer
- 8
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
- 9
Shred lettuce and dice pickles while casserole bakes
- 10
Let casserole cool for 5 minutes after baking
- 11
Top with shredded lettuce and diced pickles
- 12
Serve immediately, garnished with dill pickle relish
Tips
Drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning to prevent a greasy casserole that won't hold together well when serving.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before adding lettuce and pickles so the heat doesn't wilt the fresh toppings.
Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for the best melting texture and flavor balance in the cheese layer.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can assemble through step 7 and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cold.
Serve hot immediately after adding fresh toppings for best texture contrast.
Common Mistakes
Don't add lettuce and pickles while hot to avoid wilting and sogginess.
Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease pooling in the casserole.
Substitutions
adds carbs
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble through the cheese layer and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add fresh toppings after baking and increase baking time by 5-10 minutes.
What if I don't have sugar-free ketchup?
Regular ketchup works but adds carbs and sugar. Use 1-2 tablespoons less to reduce sweetness if desired.
How long does this keep?
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. The lettuce and pickles are best added fresh when serving leftovers.