Name: Big Mac Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 1 lb zucchini, sliced; 2 ½ tbsp olive oil, divided; ¾ tsp sea salt, divided; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 ½ lbs ground beef; ½ large onion, diced; 1 cup sugar-free thousand island dressing, divided; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 ½ cups shredded iceberg lettuce; 1 medium Roma tomato, diced; ¾ cup sliced pickles; ½ tbsp sesame seeds

Craving the classic taste of a Big Mac? This Big Mac Casserole gives you all those familiar flavors in a hearty, low-carb dish. It starts with a base of tender roasted zucchini, which you then layer with a savory ground beef and onion mixture. After that, you add melted cheese on top. When the casserole is ready, you top it with fresh lettuce, pickles, and a generous drizzle of sugar-free special sauce. This fun, simple, and satisfying meal perfectly captures the essence of a fast-food favorite without all the carbs.

Ingredients & What You’ll Need

For the Zucchini Layer:

Zucchini (1 lb): Slice these into ¼-inch-thick rounds; they will form the low-carb base of the casserole.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Use this for roasting the zucchini to a tender finish.
Sea Salt (¼ tsp): Season the zucchini with this before you roast it.

For the Meat Layer:

Olive Oil (½ tbsp): A small amount of oil to brown the ground beef.
Ground Beef (1 ½ lbs): This hearty, seasoned ground beef is a core part of the dish.
Sea Salt (½ tbsp) & Black Pepper (½ tsp): Season the ground beef with these as it cooks.
Onion (½ large, diced): Sauté this with the beef to add a savory and aromatic flavor.

For Assembly and Toppings:

Sugar-Free Thousand Island Dressing (1 cup total): The star of the dish; you use it as a sauce layer and a final drizzle.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): This melts beautifully over the meat for that classic cheesy flavor.
Iceberg Lettuce (1 ½ cups, shredded): This adds a refreshing crunch to the finished casserole.
Roma Tomato (1 medium, diced): It provides a fresh, juicy burst of flavor.
Pickles (¾ cup, sliced): These deliver the essential tangy and briny kick.
Sesame Seeds (½ tbsp): A final touch that mimics the classic Big Mac bun.

How to Make Big Mac Casserole

This recipe simplifies the process of making a Big Mac into a delicious and easy one-dish meal.

Prepare and Roast the Zucchini

First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Next, brush them with olive oil, and then lightly sprinkle sea salt on both sides. Roast the zucchini in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until it becomes tender. After that, remove the zucchini from the oven, but keep the oven on. Be sure to pat the zucchini with paper towels to soak up any extra moisture or oil.

Cook the Meat and Onions

While the zucchini roasts, heat the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan on the stove. Add the ground beef and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the beef for about 10 minutes until it is browned. Next, add the diced onion and cook for another 7-8 minutes, until the onions become soft and just begin to brown.

Assemble and Bake

Arrange the roasted zucchini slices on the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish, overlapping them slightly to create an even layer. Pour ¾ cup of the sugar-free thousand island dressing over the zucchini and spread it evenly. Top with the cooked meat and onion mixture, and then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything. Bake the casserole for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Finish and Serve

After baking, remove the casserole from the oven. Top it with the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced pickles. Drizzle the remaining ¼ cup of dressing over the toppings, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while the casserole is warm.

Tips for the Perfect Big Mac Casserole

Serving and Storage: This casserole is best enjoyed right after assembly. If you plan to store leftovers, always keep the fresh toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles) in a separate container.
Reheating: To reheat the casserole, warm it in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave without the fresh toppings. Then you can add the chilled toppings after it’s heated to keep them crisp.
Freezing: The casserole freezes well without toppings. You can freeze it for up to three months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and then add the fresh toppings right before you eat.

Final Thoughts

This Big Mac Casserole truly delivers on its promise of capturing a nostalgic flavor in a healthy, low-carb package. The combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and crisp, fresh toppings makes for a satisfying meal that is a fun and creative way to enjoy a classic. Now you can get your Big Mac fix without any of the guilt.