Big Mac Casserole 

Craving the iconic Big Mac flavors without the bun? This casserole transforms the classic fast-food favorite into a hearty, oven-baked dish that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Layers of seasoned ground beef, toasted "bun" pieces, melty cheese, and a tangy special sauce come together to recreate the Big Mac experience in casserole form.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Beef Layer:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for authentic flavor)

• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

For the 

• 6 hamburger buns, torn into bite-sized pieces (stale works best)

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

• 1 tsp sesame seeds

• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Special Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp white vinegar

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

For the Casserole Assembly:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded lettuce

• ½ cup dill pickles, chopped

• ¼ cup diced onion

• 8 slices American cheese

 Direction

1. Prepare the Beef Layer:

   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns.

   • Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent.

   • Drain excess fat, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

   • Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

2. Prepare the "Middle Bun" Layer:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • In a bowl, toss the torn hamburger buns with melted butter, sesame seeds, and garlic powder.

   • Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes until lightly golden.

3. Make the Special Sauce:

   • In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

   • Mix until smooth and set aside.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

   • Layer half of the beef mixture at the bottom.

   • Place 4 slices of American cheese over the beef.

   • Sprinkle half of the chopped pickles and diced onions on top.

   • Drizzle about ⅓ of the special sauce over the toppings.

   • Add the toasted bun pieces evenly over the sauce.

   • Drizzle another ⅓ of the special sauce over the buns.

   • Top with the remaining beef mixture and 4 slices of American cheese.

   • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

   • Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Add Fresh Toppings:

   • After baking, remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes.

   • Top with shredded lettuce, remaining pickles, and diced onions.

   • Drizzle with the remaining special sauce before serving.

 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 500 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 35g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 6g