Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

Big Mac tater tot casserole is a cheesy, beefy comfort food dinner topped with crispy tots, lettuce, and Thousand Island dressing. An easy weeknight meal ready in 45 minutes!

Prep Time15

Cook Time40

Total Time55

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Servings:

Calories: 689kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
1 ¼ cups 1000 Island dressing, divide 1 cup for filling and ¼ cup for topping
¾ cup chopped dill pickles
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons mustard
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups mild cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
32 ounces frozen tater tots, I used the Ore Ida Crispy tots
1 ½ cups thinly shredded lettuce, I use the prepackaged lettuce
2 teaspoons sesame seeds, optional garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
In a 4 to 5 quart skillet or saucepan over medium high heat, brown the ground beef and onion until the beef is no longer pink. (This should take about 6 to 8 minutes) Drain any excess oil.
Add in the 1 cup of 1000 island dressing, chopped pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt and pepper. Stir until completely combined.
Spread the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the meat.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. (To avoid soggy tots, do not over crowd, to allow air to circulate while baking) Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown.
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before spreading the shredded lettuce over the top of the tater tot layer.
Drizzle the remaining ¼ cup of 1000 island dressing and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top. Serve while hot.

Notes

For extra crispy tater tots, you can prebake the tots before layering on top of the casserole.
Sweet pickle relish can be substituted for the chopped dill pickles.
You can use shredded colby jack, sharp cheddar or even american cheese slices in place of mild cheddar cheese.

Nutrition