A cozy, flavor-packed casserole inspired by the Big Mac, this dish layers seasoned beef, melty cheese, pickles, and special sauce beneath a crunchy layer of tater tots. Perfect for feeding a hungry group with minimal effort.
1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 small onion, diced
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided
1 cup Thousand Island dressing
¾ cup chopped dill pickles, divided
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain fat.
Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, Thousand Island dressing, and half the pickles. Simmer briefly.
Spread beef mixture in the baking dish. Top with 1½ cups shredded cheddar.
Arrange tater tots evenly over the cheese layer.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until tots are golden and crisp.
Add remaining pickles, drizzle of dressing, and remaining cheese. Sprinkle sesame seeds if desired. Bake 5 more minutes.
Rest 10 minutes before serving.