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Indulge Guilt-Free: The Ultimate Keto Big Mac Casserole Recipe (Low-Carb & Delicious!)

Craving the iconic taste of a McDonald’s Big Mac but without the guilt of high carbs? Look no further! This Easy Keto Big Mac Casserole is a culinary masterpiece that delivers all the classic, mouth-watering flavors of your favorite fast-food burger in a wholesome, low-carb casserole format. Imagine a hearty, savory base of seasoned ground beef, generously topped with a rich, creamy “secret sauce,” a blanket of melted cheddar cheese, and a garnish of crunchy pickles. This innovative dish is not only incredibly satisfying but also perfectly aligned with your ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. Serve it elegantly on a crisp lettuce wrap for an authentic burger experience, or enjoy it as a hearty, deconstructed salad for a truly customizable meal.

A delectable slice of Big Mac Casserole on a bed of fresh lettuce, generously drizzled with Big Mac Sauce, highlighting its rich textures and vibrant colors.

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Why Casseroles Are a Weeknight Hero

Casseroles have long held a special place in home cooking, and for good reason. They are the epitome of convenience, offering a comforting and complete meal in a single dish, often with minimal cleanup. My collection of recipes consistently shows casseroles among the most popular choices, and it’s easy to see why. Their inherent simplicity makes them ideal for busy weeknights, requiring less active cooking time compared to multi-component meals. Furthermore, casseroles are famously forgiving; they often taste even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prepping. You can easily prepare a large batch, enjoy it throughout the week, or even freeze portions for quick, future meals. This Big Mac Casserole is no exception, designed to save you time and provide delicious leftovers.

A vibrant flat lay shot of essential Big Mac Casserole ingredients in individual glass bowls: ground beef, finely chopped onions, raw eggs, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, and a selection of savory seasonings.

Table of Contents

The Legendary Secret Sauce: Unlocking the Big Mac Flavor

The “secret sauce” is undeniably the heart and soul of any Big Mac, and replicating its distinctive flavor is crucial for this casserole. For years, debates have swirled about its true identity – is it just a fancy Thousand Island dressing? While there are similarities, our homemade version captures that unique McDonald’s magic with a low-carb twist, allowing you to enjoy the signature tang and sweetness without compromising your dietary goals.

The iconic taste profile primarily comes from a harmonious blend of creamy mayonnaise, tangy pickle relish, and a hint of pungent mustard. Traditionally, a subtle sweetness also plays a role, often derived from added sugar. However, for our keto-friendly rendition, we cleverly achieve this sweetness using low-carb sweeteners like monk fruit and by making our own sugar-free relish from finely chopped pickles. This simple substitution ensures you get all the flavor without the unwanted carbs.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Low-Carb Big Mac Sauce:

  • Mayo: The foundation of creaminess. Opt for a high-quality, avocado oil-based mayo for the best flavor and healthy fats. (See substitutes below for lighter options.)
  • Mustard: A touch of classic yellow mustard adds that essential zing and brightens the overall flavor.
  • Unsweetened BBQ Sauce: This is my secret weapon for adding depth and a beautiful reddish hue, mimicking the traditional ketchup without the sugar. I’ve found it enhances the savory notes significantly. If you prefer the more traditional ketchup flavor, feel free to substitute with unsweetened ketchup. You can even find my own Keto Low Carb BBQ Sauce recipe for an extra homemade touch.
  • Smoked Paprika: A non-negotiable ingredient for that smoky depth that elevates the sauce from good to extraordinary. While regular paprika can work, smoked paprika truly provides that distinctive, complex flavor profile.
  • Pickles: Finely diced dill pickles are key for the texture and signature tangy crunch. Making your own “relish” by chopping sugar-free pickles ensures you control the carb content.
  • Sweetener (I use Monk Fruit): A small amount of low-carb sweetener balances the acidity and brings out the “sweet” in the “sweet pickle relish” component. Monk fruit is my preferred choice for its natural taste and zero net carbs.
  • Vinegar: A splash of white vinegar brightens the sauce and adds a necessary acidic tang, cutting through the richness.
  • Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
A selection of Big Mac Casserole sauce ingredients arranged in glass bowls: creamy mayo, rich shredded cheddar cheese, thick heavy cream, tangy mustard, and finely chopped pickles, showcasing their individual textures.

Crafting Your Keto Big Mac Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this Big Mac Casserole is surprisingly straightforward, designed for cooks of all skill levels. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering, low-carb meal ready to impress. The detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card below, but here’s an overview of the process:

  1. Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly from the moment it enters the oven.
  2. Brown the Beef Base: In a large skillet, place your chosen ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped onions, burger seasoning, and season generously with salt and pepper. As the meat cooks, use a meat chopper or a sturdy spoon to break it into small, uniform chunks, mimicking the texture of a classic burger patty.
  3. Enrich the Meat Mixture: Once the ground meat is no longer pink, stir in the Worcestershire sauce and cream cheese. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese has fully melted and is smoothly incorporated into the meat mixture. This step adds a crucial layer of creaminess and depth to the base.
  4. Drain and Cool: Remove the skillet from the heat. If there is any excess fat from the ground beef, carefully drain it away. This step is important for preventing a greasy casserole and achieving the ideal texture.
  5. Whisk the Liquid Mixture: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream, and all the ingredients for your homemade Big Mac Sauce. Whisk vigorously until all components are well blended and smooth. This liquid mixture will create the creamy, custardy texture that binds the casserole together and infuses it with the Big Mac flavor.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil, if necessary for your specific dish (ceramic dishes often don’t require it). Pour the cooked ground beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half (¾ cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
  7. Layer the Sauce: Drizzle the creamy liquid mixture (eggs, heavy cream, and Big Mac Sauce) evenly over the ground beef and cheese.
  8. Final Cheese Layer & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (¾ cup) on top of the casserole. For an extra touch of authenticity, you can add additional sliced pickles on top before baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole has set. You can test for doneness by gently wiggling the baking dish; if it jiggles significantly in the center, it needs a little more time. In my experience, 35 minutes is often the sweet spot.
  9. Cool Before Serving: This step is vital for the casserole to firm up and hold its shape. Allow the casserole to cool completely for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. If you cut into it too soon, it may crumble and fall apart. The longer it cools, the better it sets.
A collage of four photos detailing the cooking process: browning ground beef, adding onions and seasonings, mixing in Worcestershire sauce and cream cheese, and the cooked mixture ready for the casserole dish.
A glass bowl filled with the homemade Big Mac Sauce, showcasing its creamy texture and signature color, ready to be incorporated into the casserole.
Cooked ground beef mixture spread evenly in a ceramic casserole dish, forming the base of the Big Mac Casserole before adding other layers.
The cooked ground beef layer in a casserole dish, topped with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, creating a delicious base for the sauce layer.
The casserole dish with the ground beef and first layer of cheese, now drizzled with the creamy Big Mac Sauce mixture, ready for the final cheese topping.
The Big Mac Casserole assembly process, showing the ground beef, sauce, and cheese layers, and finally topped with more shredded cheddar cheese and optional pickle slices.

Make It Lighter: Tips for Reducing Fat in Your Casserole

While this Big Mac Casserole is inherently low-carb, you might be looking for ways to reduce the fat content without sacrificing too much flavor. Here are some smart substitutions and adjustments to make this dish even lighter:

  • Choose Leaner Proteins: Instead of ground beef, opt for extra-lean ground turkey or ground chicken. These alternatives significantly reduce the saturated fat content while still providing a robust protein base for your casserole. Be aware that leaner meats may require a bit more seasoning to retain flavor.
  • Skip the Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a wonderful richness and creaminess, but it also contributes a fair amount of fat. If you’re keen on reducing fat, you can omit the cream cheese entirely from the meat mixture. The eggs and heavy cream in the liquid mixture will still provide plenty of binding and creamy texture.
  • Opt for Low-Fat Mayo: For the Big Mac sauce, selecting a low-fat or reduced-fat mayonnaise can make a noticeable difference in the overall fat count. Be mindful of ingredients in some low-fat options, as they can sometimes contain added sugars.
  • Substitute Mayo with Greek Yogurt: For a healthier and higher-protein swap, replace the mayonnaise in the Big Mac sauce with plain, non-fat Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt offers a similar tangy creaminess and a boost of protein, making your sauce even more nutritious.
The baked Big Mac Casserole still in its baking dish, garnished with fresh pickle slices on top, ready to be served as a satisfying, low-carb meal.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Big Mac Casserole

This Keto Big Mac Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the dining experience and add fresh textures. Here are some fantastic low-carb options to complement its rich flavors:

  • Crisp Lettuce Wraps or Salad Greens: Embrace the “Big Mac” concept fully by serving generous portions of the casserole on large, crunchy lettuce leaves, such as romaine or butter lettuce. This creates a deconstructed burger experience, adding a refreshing crunch to every bite. Alternatively, serve it alongside a simple, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
  • Small Side Salad: A classic garden salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole. Keep the dressing light and low-carb to maintain the dish’s nutritional profile.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies are a perfect low-carb accompaniment, adding fiber and essential nutrients. Consider:
    • Air Fryer Broccoli: Perfectly tender-crisp broccoli florets with a slight char, quick and easy to make.
    • Air Fryer Roasted Green Beans: Roasted until slightly blistered, these offer a delightful snap and savory flavor.
    • Other great options include roasted asparagus, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
  • Keto Onion Rings: For those really missing the classic burger joint experience, whip up a batch of crispy, low-carb onion rings. They provide a satisfying crunch and savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the casserole.
Another view of the Big Mac Casserole in its baking dish, topped with additional pickle slices, ready for a family meal or individual servings.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

One of the many benefits of casseroles is their meal-prep potential. This Big Mac Casserole is no exception, making it a fantastic option for planning ahead and enjoying delicious, low-carb meals throughout the week.

Can You Prepare It In Advance?

For best results, I generally don’t recommend assembling and baking the entire casserole far in advance, as the texture can change. However, you can definitely prep components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. You can fully cook the ground beef mixture (steps 1-4) and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine it with the cheese and liquid mixture, then proceed with the baking instructions. This makes for a super-fast assembly on a busy day!

A beautifully presented slice of Big Mac Casserole resting on a bed of fresh lettuce, generously topped with an extra dollop of Big Mac Sauce, highlighting its irresistible appeal.

How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?

Once baked and cooled, this Big Mac Casserole will last beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in a tightly sealed, airtight container. It reheats wonderfully, making it an excellent choice for packed lunches or quick dinners during the week. Simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm.

Freezing for Future Feasts

Yes, this casserole is freezer-friendly! To freeze, allow the baked casserole to cool completely. For convenient portion control, I recommend slicing it into individual servings first. Then, place the slices in freezer-safe, sealable containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring as much air is removed as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When ready to enjoy, defrost the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Be aware that because this dish contains dairy (cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar), the dairy and cheese components may separate slightly or become a bit grainy upon reheating after freezing. This is a common characteristic of frozen and reheated dairy products and does not affect the flavor, though the texture might be slightly altered. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

A close-up shot of a slice of Big Mac Casserole on a bed of lettuce, ready to be enjoyed, emphasizing its layered texture and appealing presentation.

Big Mac Casserole

This Easy Big Mac Casserole delivers all the classic flavor of the popular burger from McDonald’s but without the carbs. This dish is baked with the special secret sauce, and topped with melted cheese and crunchy pickles. Serve it on a lettuce wrap or as a salad!

Course: Dinner, Lunch | Cuisine: American | Keyword: Big Mac Casserole, Keto Big Mac Casserole, Keto Casseroles

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Cooling Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 6 servings | Calories: 516kcal

Author: Brandi Crawford

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or ground chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon Burger or Steak Seasoning (Use your favorite rub. See notes below for how to make your own.)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2-3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Additional sliced pickles (Optional for topping.)

Big Mac Sauce

  • ½ cup mayo
  • 2 teaspoons mustard
  • 1 teaspoon BBQ sauce (I used unsweetened and sugar-free.)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons diced pickles
  • 1 ½ tablespoons sweetener (I use monk fruit)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
  2. Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onions, burger seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Use a meat chopper or wooden spoon and break the ground beef into small, uniform chunks as it cooks.
  3. Add the Worcestershire sauce and cream cheese to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the ground beef is no longer pink and the cream cheese has completely melted and is smoothly incorporated.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat. Carefully drain any excess fat from the beef mixture, if necessary.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream, and all of the prepared ingredients for the Big Mac Sauce. Whisk well until thoroughly combined.
  6. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with oil or cooking spray (if necessary for your specific pan type; ceramic dishes often don’t need it). Pour the ground beef mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese (¾ cup) over the beef layer.
  7. Drizzle the liquid egg and Big Mac Sauce mixture evenly on top of the beef and cheese layer.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (¾ cup) on top. If desired, add additional pickle slices to the top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
  9. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, is golden and bubbly, and the casserole has set in the center. To test for doneness, gently wiggle the baking dish; if the center still has a significant jiggle, it needs more time. Mine typically takes around 35 minutes to bake through.
  10. Cool completely for at least 15 minutes before serving. This cooling period is crucial for the casserole to properly set and hold its shape when sliced. If you slice into it too soon, it may fall apart.

Video

Watch the step-by-step video guide below to see how easy it is to make this delicious Keto Big Mac Casserole!

Notes

  • Homemade Burger Seasoning: If you don’t have a pre-made burger or steak seasoning, you can create your own blend using ¼ teaspoon minced onions (dried), ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, and ¼ teaspoon ground coriander.
  • Authentic Big Mac Look: For an even more authentic Big Mac appearance, feel free to sprinkle a few sesame seeds over the top of the casserole after baking, just before serving.
  • Extra Sauce: This casserole is fantastic with extra sauce! Consider making a double batch of the Big Mac Sauce for drizzling over individual servings, lettuce wraps, or side salads.
  • Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes: If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with coconut aminos or soy sauce. Please note that the flavor will not be exactly the same, but these options will still add a savory depth.
  • Vinegar Alternatives: While white vinegar provides the classic tang, you can experiment with other types of vinegar. However, be aware that substituting might alter the distinct Big Mac sauce flavor.
  • BBQ Sauce vs. Ketchup: McDonald’s typically uses a touch of ketchup for color and flavor in their sauce. While testing this recipe, I discovered that I absolutely love the added depth and complexity that unsweetened BBQ sauce brings. It’s truly amazing! However, if you prefer the traditional ketchup flavor, feel free to use an unsweetened, low-carb ketchup instead.
  • Paprika Options: Smoked paprika is highly recommended for its unique flavor profile, which contributes significantly to the overall taste of the Big Mac sauce. If you only have regular paprika, you can use it, but the sauce will have a slightly different, less smoky character.

How to Reduce the Fat in the Recipe (Re-cap)

For those looking to reduce the fat content of this delicious casserole, here are the key adjustments:

  • Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef.
  • Omit the cream cheese from the meat mixture.
  • Use low-fat or reduced-fat mayonnaise in the Big Mac sauce.
  • Substitute the mayonnaise for plain, non-fat Greek yogurt in the Big Mac sauce.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g (Net Carbs) | Protein: 26g | Fat: 45g

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Essential Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience even smoother. Here are a few items that will be helpful for preparing this Big Mac Casserole:

  • 9×13 Baking Dish: A standard size for most casseroles, ensuring even baking.
  • Meat Chopper: Invaluable for breaking up ground meat quickly and efficiently into uniform pieces.
  • Glass Tupperware: Perfect for storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer.

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More Keto Casserole Inspiration

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and flavor of this Keto Big Mac Casserole, you’ll be thrilled to explore more low-carb casserole recipes designed to make mealtime delicious and easy. Casseroles are a fantastic way to enjoy hearty, satisfying meals while staying true to your ketogenic lifestyle. Here are some other popular keto casserole recipes to add to your rotation:

  • Keto Low Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole: Another take on a classic burger in casserole form, packed with cheesy, bacon-y goodness.
  • Keto Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: All the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak, made into a comforting casserole.
  • Keto Low Carb Bacon Egg Cheese Breakfast Casserole: Perfect for a make-ahead breakfast or brunch, loaded with protein and flavor.
  • Keto Low Carb Pizza Casserole: Enjoy your favorite pizza flavors without the crust in this easy and satisfying dish.

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