Big Mac Cheeseburger Casserole – An Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

This Big Mac Cheeseburger Casserole recipe is a game changer! It holds all the flavors of a classic Big Mac sandwich. However instead of eating it on a bun, it is made into a casserole that can feed the entire family.

And not only is it absolutely delicious, it is easy to make. With just a few basic ingredients mixed together and thrown into a casserole dish, this meal will be on the table, ready to eat in just 30 minutes!

I love to make this on a busy weeknight when there is little time to prepare dinner. And who couldn’t use a quick and easy dinner recipe that even the pickiest eater will love?

Prepare The Casserole Ahead Of Time

In fact, you can even prepare this dish ahead of time and simply throw it in the oven when you get home. Then once it comes out of the oven add those classic Big Mac toppings and dinner is served!

So how did this recipe come about? It all started when I was craving the taste of a Big Mac. However, I live about 20 minutes away from the nearest McDonald’s fast food restaurant.

And quite honestly, I didn’t want to hop in the car and drive over 40 minutes just to sink my teeth into the classic burger. So instead, I adapted my Pizza Casserole recipe and made it into one that tasted like a Big Mac!

And I have to say, it not only satisfied my craving, but it also was a HUGE hit with the entire family! And now, whenever I make a meal for a family or friend in need, this has become my go-to recipe.

Big Mac Cheeseburger Casserole

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. lean Ground Beef, 90/10 recommended
• 1 small Onion, diced
• 1/2 lb. Rotini pasta
• 3/4 cup Thousand Island Dressing, divided
• 6 slices American Cheese

For Serving

• Shredded Lettuce
• Tomatoes, diced
• Dill pickle slices, diced

*If you aren’t a fan of a particular topping, simply omit it. Just add whatever toppings you would when you order your cheeseburger.

INSTRUCTIONS

The first step in making this Big Mac Cheeseburger Casserole is to preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a large casserole dish or a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Set the pan aside while you prepare the ingredients.

Just like with any ground beef casserole, you must first cook the meat. In order to keep the taste authentic, we recommend sticking to ground beef.

Although you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken in this recipe, the taste won’t be the same. However, it will still be delicious, it just won’t taste like a classic Big Mac.

In a large skillet, add the ground beef and diced onions. Then cook the meat until it is no longer pink. Drain the cooked ground beef and onions and let it sit in the colander while you cook the noodles.

Pasta Cooking Instructions

In a large sauce pan add enough water to fill the pot 3/4ths full. Then once it boils, add the spiral noodles.

Cook the pasta according to package directions for al’dente consistency, minus 1 minute. The pasta will continue to cook when it is in the oven.

Drain and transfer the pasta back into the sauce pan, off the heat source. Add the ground beef and onion mixture to the pot.

Then add 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing to the hamburger and pasta mixture and toss until the noodles are evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

Add the cheese slices on top of the beef and noodles. Depending on the shape of your casserole dish, you may need to tear the cheese slices so that the entire top of the Big Mac Cheeseburger Casserole is covered.

Place the baking dish, uncovered, in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the casserole dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Then top the casserole with the remaining dressing, spreading it across the top surface. Right before you are ready to serve dinner add the shredded lettuce, tomatoes and pickle slices on top, leaving off any toppings that you don’t like.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I substitute ground turkey for the ground beef?

As mentioned above, you can make this recipe a little healthier by using a leaner type of ground meat. Although, if you use ground turkey or ground chicken in this casserole recipe, it won’t taste like a Big Mac Cheeseburger. However, it will still be delicious!

2. How do I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

If you want to make this ahead of time, simply follow the instructions up to the point of putting it in the oven. Then cover the baking dish and refrigerate until you are ready to bake it.

However, let the casserole dish come to room temperature before placing it in a hot oven to prevent the dish from cracking.

3. How do I store the leftovers?

Store the leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

However, if you know that there will be leftovers ahead of time, it is best to add the toppings on individual portions instead over the entire casserole. This will make it easier to reheat, keeping the vegetable toppings nice and crisp.

Be sure to save or print this Big Mac Cheeseburger Casserole recipe. You will definitely want to add it to your dinner rotation, especially for those busy weeknights!

Enjoy! Mary

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