Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole (Printable Version)
Ground beef and cheddar topped with crispy tater tots and a tangy island-style dressing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein
01 -
2 pounds lean ground beef
→ Vegetables and Condiments
02 -
1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
03 -
3/4 cup chopped dill pickles
04 -
1 1/4 cups Thousand Island dressing, divided (1 cup for filling, 1/4 cup for topping)
05 -
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
06 -
2 tablespoons ketchup
07 -
2 teaspoons mustard
08 -
2 teaspoons onion powder
09 -
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
10 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
11 -
1 teaspoon black pepper
12 -
1 1/2 cups thinly shredded lettuce
13 -
2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional garnish)
→ Dairy
14 -
2 cups mild cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
→ Frozen
15 -
32 ounces frozen tater tots
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 -
In a 4 to 5 quart skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and yellow onion until beef is no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 -
Add 1 cup Thousand Island dressing, chopped pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir until fully incorporated.
04 -
Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
05 -
Sprinkle freshly shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the meat mixture.
06 -
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer atop the cheese, avoiding overcrowding to ensure crispness during baking.
07 -
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
08 -
Allow casserole to rest a few minutes. Then spread shredded lettuce over tater tots, drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing, and sprinkle sesame seeds before serving warm.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
To avoid soggy tater tots, arrange them in a single layer without crowding to allow proper air circulation during baking.