Lean & Green Big Mac Casserole Salad Recipe

This lean and green big mac casserole salad recipe is a recipe I have been making for over 15 years. You can still have your classic Big Mac flavor, but without all the added preservatives, fat, and calories that a typical fast food restaurant serves. Read more below to learn how to make this Big Mac in a bowl today.

Jump to:

• Quick Recipe Facts
• Why You'll Love This Big Mac Casserole Salad Recipe?
• 🥣 Big Mac Casserole Recipe Ingredients
• Have A Specific Food Allergy?
• ❓ Can I Use Omit The Potatoes In This Lean and Green Big Mac Casserole Recipe?
• 🥫What's In The Special Sauce For A Big Mac Casserole?
• 🥩 Ground Beef
• ❓ What is a Big Mac Casserole?
• ❓ Why You Should Make a Big Mac in a Bowl Recipe?
• 👩‍🍳 How to Make a Big Mac Casserole Salad?
• 🧡 Learn How to Make Lean & Green Big Mac Casserole Salad Recipe
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💙 Substitutions
• 🍴 Big Mac Casserole Variations
• ❄️ Storage
• 🍽️ What are Some Other Serving Suggestions for This Big Mac In a Bowl Dish?
• Get The Eat Your Nutrition Recipe Book
• 😀 Enjoy This Lean & Green Big Mac Casserole Salad Recipe
• ❤️ You Might Also Love These
• 💖 Dinner Recipes
• 💬 Comments

This was inspired by my younger teenage self, who loved a good Big Mac burger. I wanted a healthier version that still tasted great too. This is a classic recipe I have been making this since my early 20's and have shared it with so many of my friends. I knew I had to share it with my E*Y*N community here. So here it is. Enjoy.

🥣 Big Mac Casserole Recipe Ingredients

To make this recreation of a familiar recipe, try a lean and green Big Mac casserole salad recipe. You will simply need to gather a few key ingredients that create quick dinner without all the yuck of a fast food restaurant.

1. Potatoes - This creates a healthy macro balanced recipe. If you prefer to keep this low carb, omit the potatoes. I like diced red potatoes, but russet work well too.
2. Ground Beef - We will season up your ground beef with the most delicious flavor you can imagine. I like to use the leanest cut of ground beef. You can also swap with ground turkey.
3. Tomatoes - I like the convenience factor of using canned tomatoes, but any fresh Roma tomatoes will do.
4. Onion - I prefer yellow or white onions, but any onion works well too.
5. Dill Pickles - You can't make a lean and green big mac salad without the pickles. I prefer Grillo's pickles or even Wicked Pickles. Wicked pickles have a kick, which gives it a slightly different flavor.
6. Bell Peppers - Try either red, green, or yellow bell peppers, or even a mixture of all three colors.
7. Sesame Seeds - You can't imagine a big mac without a sesame seed bun. Well, there is no bun, but we still need that crunch from the sesame seeds. I highly recommend them.
8. Cheese - You can use whichever favorite cheese you like, but Colby jack is my favorite or even cheddar cheese.
9. Ranch Dressing - I like to use Primal Kitchen's prepared ranch dressing. However, use whatever favorite ranch dressing you prefer.
10. Worcestershire Sauce - To get the beef seasoned to perfection, a dash or two of this unique flavorful ingredient is key.
11. Shredded Lettuce - Crisp romaine lettuce is the perfect bed for beef, special sauce, cheese, and pickles.

Big Mac Special Sauce Ingredients:

1. Spices - I keep it fairly simple, with a combination of salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder.
2. Honey Mustard - This is a must have ingredient for the "special sauce" recipe.
3. Ketchup - I used low sugar ketchup for this recipe. However, any ketchup will work.
4. Mayonnaise - This is the base for that "special sauce". I like Primal Kitchen avocado based mayonnaise.
5. Pickle Juice - Use the juice from the pickle jar. I love Wicked Pickles for the extra spice.

See the recipe card for quantities.

❓ Can I Use Omit The Potatoes In This Lean and Green Big Mac Casserole Recipe?

If you prefer to keep this recipe low in carbs, simply leave out the potatoes and top the casserole on top of your bed of crunchy Romaine lettuce.

I have even used tater tots, which are convenient because they are already prepped and ready to use.

🥫What's In The Special Sauce For A Big Mac Casserole?

For the "special sauce" in a Big Mac casserole, it's a mixture of mayonnaise, honey mustard, ketchup, onion and garlic powder. Plus, the magic special sauce ingredient, pickle juice.

If you prefer not to make this special sauce for the Big Mac casserole recipe, then swap it for the same ratio of Thousand Island dressing. You will have a similar taste and end result.

🥩 Ground Beef

Lean ground beef is a popular source of protein and other essential nutrients, while maintaining a lower fat content than regular ground beef. Choosing lean cuts is particularly important for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without giving up red meat. Here are some nutrition facts and benefits.

• Protein-Rich: Lean ground beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is vital for muscle building, repair, and overall body function.
• Iron: It provides a good amount of heme iron, the type of iron that is most easily absorbed by your body. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen in the blood and plays a role in many metabolic reactions.
• B-Vitamins: Lean ground beef is rich in several B-vitamins, particularly vitamin B12, which is necessary for red blood cell formation and neurological function, and niacin, which supports metabolism.
• Zinc: This mineral, found abundantly in lean ground beef, boosts the immune system, helps with tissue formation, and supports proper brain function.
• Low in Fat: By opting for lean ground beef, you're choosing a meat with less fat, which can be beneficial for heart health and weight management.
• Versatility: Lean ground beef can be prepared in various ways, such as in burgers, meatballs, tacos, and casseroles, making it easy to include in a balanced diet.

It's important to note that while lean ground beef is healthier than higher fat alternatives, it should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes various protein sources.

Moreover, incorporating a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help ensure a nutrient-rich diet that supports overall health.

❓ What is a Big Mac Casserole?

This is exactly what it sounds like. A delicious hamburger casserole recipe with all the flavors you get from a Big Mac hamburger.

❓ Why You Should Make a Big Mac in a Bowl Recipe?

This is an easy recipe to prepare, especially for meal prep. It's kid friendly too. I haven't seen a child pass this dish up yet. It's husband approved too. My husband is a big meat and potatoes kind of guy. So, this recipe is one he enjoys.

👩‍🍳 How to Make a Big Mac Casserole Salad?

🥔 Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a casserole dish, add the diced potatoes and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with half the salt and pepper. Reserve the rest for the beef. Roast the potatoes for 25 minutes.

🧅 In a large pan, spray with cooking spray, add in your ground beef, onions, and peppers. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes over medium high heat.

🍅 Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and ranch dressing. Next, add in the canned tomatoes and chopped pickles. Heat for 5 minutes.

🧀 Remove the potatoes from the oven. Add in the beef mixture. Combine everything well. Top with cheese and sesame seeds. Cover the casserole and add back into the oven for 20 minutes.

🍔 Prepare the "special sauce". In a small bowl, add all the special Big Mac sauce ingredients and stir to combine.

🥬 Remove the casserole from the oven and serve on a bed of shredded Romaine lettuce. Top with special sauce and extra pickles.

🧡 Learn How to Make Lean & Green Big Mac Casserole Salad Recipe

Learn how easy it is to make a Big Mac casserole salad recipe faster than it takes to get in your car and drive to the local fast food place.

📖 Recipe Card

💙 Substitutions

Making a Big Mac in a bowl casserole recipe your own unique way is important to your own dietary preferences or restrictions. Here are a few easy substitutions for a quick fast food dupe recipe that is healthier and still tastes great too.

• Special Sauce - Swap the "special sauce" recipe and use Thousand Island dressing.
• Cheese - Instead of regular cheese, swap for a dairy-free, vegan cheese substitute.
• Potato - Swap with sweet potatoes or omit to keep it low carb.
• Romaine Lettuce - Try a handful of nutrient-rich spinach.

🍴 Big Mac Casserole Variations

Here are a few variations to customize your Big Mac in a bowl recipe.

• Protein Swap - Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey breast or even your favorite cooked beans.
• Low Carb - Swap the potatoes for zucchini slices.

❄️ Storage

Store any leftover hamburger casserole in meal prep glass containers in the fridge for 5 days. Reheat any leftovers in a covered baking dish at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. You can also reheat single serve portions in the microwave.

Freeze single serve portions in freezer safe containers.

🍽️ What are Some Other Serving Suggestions for This Big Mac In a Bowl Dish?

If you don't like shredded Romaine lettuce or simply want to swap them for another item that you already have, here are a few other ideas to get you started for your Big Mac in a bowl.

• Serve inside a lettuce cup or collard green wrap.
• Top with a sprinkle of green onions.
• For a more complete meal, add some steamed cruciferous vegetables.

😀 Enjoy This Lean & Green Big Mac Casserole Salad Recipe

If you make this delicious, easy hamburger casserole dinner recipe, let me know in the comment section below.

I hope you guys love this recipe! If you make it, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you post to Instagram, I repost your remakes of your creations on my IG stories!

I would also love to hear what you think, or take a photo and tag me @EatYourNutrition on Instagram. I love seeing your photos. #EatYourNutrition #LauraVillanueva

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