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Pioneer Woman Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

Pioneer Woman Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole - recipe card
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A fun, all-in-one casserole that layers seasoned ground beef, tangy Big Mac sauce, and crispy tater tots, then bakes until bubbly and golden. The melty cheddar and sharp pickles mimic the iconic burger in every scoop, while the tots stay crunchy on top.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb (450g) 85/15 ground beef
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle, chopped (about 2 large spears)
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 6 oz (170g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1.5 cups)
  • 1 lb (450g) frozen tater tots (about half a 32-oz bag)
  • 1/4 cup iceberg lettuce, finely shredded (for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar 2-quart casserole dish with a thin layer of olive oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Add the ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper, breaking the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the beef is browned and no pink remains, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of rendered fat from the skillet (leave a little for flavor). Stir in the chopped dill pickles and cook for 1 minute, allowing their brine to release and meld with the beef.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. Pour this sauce over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Let simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar (about 3/4 cup) until melted and incorporated into the meat sauce.
  6. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The layer should be about 1 inch thick.
  7. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the beef mixture, packing them tightly so they cover the surface completely. They can touch but should not overlap more than necessary to ensure even crisping.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup shredded cheddar over the tater tots, getting some cheese into crevices between the tots for maximum melt.
  9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Rotate the dish halfway through for even browning. If you want extra-crispy tops, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set the layers. Garnish with finely shredded iceberg lettuce and sesame seeds (if using). Serve hot, spooning each portion to include some crispy tots, cheesy filling, and a sprinkle of fresh lettuce.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing: Assemble the casserole (without lettuce and sesame seeds) and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. Reheating: Reheat individual portions in a 350°F (177°C) oven or toaster oven for 10-12 minutes, or in the microwave at 70% power for 2-3 minutes until hot. For best crispness, reheat in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: tater tot casserole, Big Mac casserole, Pioneer woman recipe, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight dinner, cheeseburger casserole, comfort food, American casserole, tater tot bake, burger casserole

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-big-mac-tater-tot-casserole/