Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole
This cheesy tater tot casserole combines seasoned ground beef, pickles, and Thousand Island dressing topped with crispy tots and fresh lettuce for a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- 1 9x13 baking dish lightly greased
- 1 4 to 5 quart skillet or saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 1/4 cups Thousand Island dressing divided
- 3/4 cup chopped dill pickles
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- 32 ounces frozen tater tots
- 1 1/2 cups thinly shredded lettuce
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess oil.
- Add 1 cup of Thousand Island dressing, chopped pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet; stir until fully combined.
- Spread the meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the meat mixture.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, ensuring not to overcrowd for crispiness.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes before spreading shredded lettuce evenly over the tots.
- Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of Thousand Island dressing and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Serve warm.
Notes
- Prebake tater tots for extra crispiness before layering.
- Sweet pickle relish works as a substitute for dill pickles.
- Try colby jack, sharp cheddar, or American cheese slices instead of mild cheddar.