Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big Mac Casserole combines everything you love about a Big Mac in a one-dish bake—juicy beef, tangy pickles, melty cheese, and a savory sauce. It’s quick to prepare, family-friendly, and naturally low in carbs, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. You’ll love how indulgent it tastes without the need for a drive-thru or a pile of bread.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Dill pickles, chopped
- Eggs
- Heavy cream
- Yellow mustard
- Sugar-free ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Paprika
- Iceberg lettuce (for serving, optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, diced onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in chopped pickles and spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, and paprika until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve over shredded lettuce and top with additional pickles or sesame seeds if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Rest time: 5–10 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb Crust: Add a thin layer of almond flour or crushed pork rinds under the beef for a crust-like feel.
- Add Bacon: Mix in crumbled cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Classic Style: Layer shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, and sesame seeds on top after baking for a full Big Mac experience.
- Non-Keto Version: Add a biscuit or crescent roll base for a carb-loaded take.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Oven: Cover with foil and heat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Reheat individual servings in 1-minute intervals.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled casserole in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Is Big Mac Casserole keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in fat, making it suitable for a keto diet.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner version.
What’s in the Big Mac sauce?
This version uses a mix of mayo, ketchup, mustard, and paprika to mimic the classic taste.
Do I have to add pickles?
Pickles are key to the Big Mac flavor, but you can reduce the amount or omit them if preferred.
Can I add lettuce to the casserole?
Lettuce is best added as a topping after baking for freshness and texture.
What cheese is best for this recipe?
Shredded cheddar melts well and offers a bold flavor, but American or Colby Jack also work.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the cream with a plant-based alternative.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones and adjust baking time as needed.
Why add eggs to the sauce?
Eggs help bind the layers and give the casserole structure as it bakes.
Conclusion
Big Mac Casserole is a fun and flavorful dish that delivers the nostalgic taste of your favorite burger in a healthier, oven-baked form. With simple ingredients, easy prep, and all the classic toppings, it’s a satisfying meal that brings the drive-thru to your dinner table. Great for families, meal prepping, or anyone looking to enjoy a comforting low-carb twist on a classic favorite.
PrintBig Mac Casserole
Big Mac Casserole is a low-carb, keto-friendly twist on the classic fast-food burger. Made with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, and a creamy Big Mac-inspired sauce, it’s a hearty, bunless bake that captures all the flavor of a Big Mac in casserole form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Shredded iceberg lettuce (optional, for serving)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic until beef is browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in chopped pickles and transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, and paprika until smooth.
- Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef layer in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with shredded iceberg lettuce and top with additional pickles or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Bake ahead and store for meal prep throughout the week.
- Add bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon for even more flavor.
- Serve with low-carb buns or lettuce wraps if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
