Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by mixing the sauce: In a medium bowl, add 1 cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet pickle relish, 2 teaspoons white vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Whisk until everything is well blended. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as desired. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more sugar.
- Next, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add 1 pound lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and no longer pink. This should take around 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add ½ onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it well to ensure the flavors meld together.
- Remove half of the Big Mac sauce and pour it into the meat mixture, stirring to combine everything evenly.
- Now, it’s time to layer the casserole: Place 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Next, pour the meat mixture over the hash brown layer, spreading it out to cover the potatoes completely. Sprinkle half of the 1½ cups cheddar cheese on top.
- Drizzle ¼ cup Big Mac sauce over the meat and potatoes for added flavor.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheese for that gooey, melty finish.
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with additional white onions, pickles, and chopped iceburg lettuce. For a fun twist, sprinkle hamburger bun croutons and sesame seeds on top, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just wrap it tightly and store it for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Variations: Consider adding other toppings like jalapeños for a kick or different cheeses for a unique twist.
Add veggies: Sneak in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Spice it up: If you love heat, add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.