Description
Midwestern big mac tater tot casserole combines classic hamburger flavors with crispy potato comfort. Home cooks can enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish that brings nostalgic fast-food elements into a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Binding:
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 tablespoons thousand island dressing
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare for layering.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles, and drain excess fat.
- Mix sautéed beef with diced onions and season with salt and pepper.
- Create a creamy sauce by whisking together thousand island dressing and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Spread half of the dressing mixture across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the seasoned ground beef evenly over the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the beef layer.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a uniform grid pattern over the cheese.
- Pour remaining dressing mixture over the tater tots, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Top with diced pickles, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes before serving.
- Slice and serve hot, enjoying the Big Mac-inspired casserole.
Notes
- Enhance beef flavor by using a mix of ground chuck and sirloin for richer taste and texture.
- Drain excess fat after browning ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure crispy tater tots.
- Customize the dish by adding extra special sauce ingredients like minced garlic or a splash of white vinegar for tang.
- Make it lighter by substituting ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative for a healthier protein option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg