Get ready to transform your dinner game with the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines the iconic flavors of a Big Mac with the crispy, irresistible crunch of tater tots! This Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole is about to become your new family favorite, delivering a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Imagine the classic burger taste perfectly layered with golden, crispy tater tots - it's like your favorite fast-food meal reimagined as a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that's both easy to make and impossible to resist!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag tater tots
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup pickles, chopped
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped onions to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle 1 packet of taco seasoning over the cooked beef and onions. Stir to combine, allowing the seasoning to coat the meat evenly. Add 1 can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) and mix well. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the beef and tomato mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture, distributing it evenly.
- Next, take the bag of tater tots and arrange them in a single layer on top of the cheese. Make sure to cover the entire surface for an even crust.
- Drizzle 1/4 cup of Thousand Island dressing over the tater tots. This will add a creamy flavor that complements the dish.
- Finally, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped pickles over the top for that classic Big Mac flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole with your favorite side dishes!
Tips
- • For the most flavorful results, use fresh ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 works best) to keep the meat juicy and delicious. • Make sure to break up the ground beef into small, even crumbles while cooking to ensure uniform seasoning and texture. • Don't skip the step of sautéing the onions - this helps develop a deeper, more complex flavor profile. • If you want extra crispiness on your tater tots, consider broiling the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking (watch carefully to prevent burning). • Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, extra cheese, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier. • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain the tater tot's crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
